Strategy & Open Innovation Lead, R&D Naturals

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.; Grasse; Hybride; EUR 110 000 - 150 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. in Grasse, France, seeks a Strategy & Open Innovation Lead to shape the Naturals R&D roadmap and accelerate growth through external partnerships.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, identifying emergent technologies, and translating insights into actionable programs that drive sustainability and competitive advantage across Scent, Taste, and Beauty. The successful candidate will build an external ecosystem, work with senior leaders, and

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in science, engineering, business, or innovation management.
• Experience in innovation, strategy, partnerships, or R&D leadership.
• Strong understanding of natural ingredients and supply chains.
• Proven ability to build external collaborations and translate opportunities into value.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsabilités

• Lead external innovation partnerships and strategic alliances.
• Identify trends, technologies, and opportunities for Naturals growth.
• Develop and execute long-term strategic roadmap for Naturals R&D.
• Translate external innovations into tangible R&D programs and business cases.
• Collaborate with global teams to align innovation, sustainability, procurement, and commercialization.

Connaissances

Innovation strategy

Business development

Partnerships

R&D leadership

Stakeholder management

Executive communication

Storytelling

Cross-functional collaboration

Entrepreneurial mindset

Formation

Advanced degree in Science/Engineering/Business/Innovation Management

Description du poste

## Strategy & Open Innovation Lead, R&D NaturalsApply: Hybrid Working: Grasse, France LMR: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: November 30, 2026 (30+ days left to apply): R21745**Job Summary**Are you passionate about shaping the future of natural ingredients and driving innovation through strategic partnerships?At IFF, we are looking for a **Strategy & Open Innovation Lead** to join our Naturals R&D organization in Grasse, France. In this highly visible leadership role, you will help & support the VP R&D Naturals to define and execute long-term strategic priorities while building a robust external innovation ecosystem, with expert team leaders, that accelerates growth, sustainability, and competitive advantage across Scent, Taste, and Beauty.You will work at the intersection of science, business, and innovation, identifying emerging trends, technologies, partnerships, and opportunities that will help shape the future of our Naturals business.As **Strategy & Open Innovation Lead, R&D Naturals**, you will play a pivotal role in defining and executing the long-term strategy of the Naturals R&D organization. You will combine strategic thinking, business insight, and external engagement to identify opportunities that support innovation, sourcing, sustainability, and business growth. Working closely with senior leaders across R&D and business functions, you will drive the Naturals Open Innovation agenda by developing strategic alliances, scouting emerging technologies, and creating collaborations with startups, academic institutions, suppliers, customers, and external innovation partners.Based in **Grasse, France**, you will work in close proximity to our world-class natural ingredients expertise and be a key member of the Naturals R&D leadership network.**Where You'll Make a Difference*** Contribute to the development and execution of the long-term strategic roadmap for the Naturals R&D organization.* Identify and evaluate market trends, emerging technologies, and innovation opportunities that can support future business growth.* Build, manage, and expand a network of strategic external partnerships across academia, startups, suppliers, technology providers, customers, and industry organizations.* Lead the Naturals R&D Open Innovation pipeline, from opportunity identification through evaluation, prioritization, and implementation.* Scout disruptive technologies and external capabilities that can accelerate innovation across Scent, Taste, and Beauty.* Assess technical, commercial, and strategic opportunities and develop business cases for investment and collaboration.* Translate external innovations into tangible R&D programs, innovation projects, and business outcomes.* Collaborate closely with R&D, Innovation, Sustainability, Procurement, Commercial, and Operations teams to ensure alignment and successful execution.* Support strategic alliance activities and contribute to strengthening IFF's external innovation ecosystem worldwide.* Prepare and deliver compelling presentations and recommendations to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.**What Makes You the Right Fit*** Advanced degrees in Science, Engineering, Business, Innovation Management, or a related field.* Significant experience in innovation, strategy, business development, partnerships, or R&D leadership roles.* Strong understanding of natural ingredients, their supply chains, sourcing challenges, market dynamics, and innovation opportunities.* Proven experience building and managing external collaborations and strategic partnerships.* Demonstrated ability to assess technologies, identify trends, and translate innovation opportunities into business value.* Strong business acumen with the ability to connect scientific innovation to commercial impact.* Experience operating in complex, international, and cross-functional environments.* Fluent in English.**How Would You Stand Out?*** You possess an entrepreneurial mindset and enjoy identifying new opportunities before others do.* You are equally comfortable discussing scientific topics, business strategy, and commercial implications.* You have exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills.* You are an excellent communicator with strong storytelling and executive presentation capabilities.* You thrive in highly collaborative environments and know how to bring diverse teams together around a common vision.* You combine strategic thinking with a hands-on approach and a strong bias for action.* You are naturally curious and energized by emerging technologies, innovation ecosystems, and market trends.**Why Choose Us?*** Join a world-leading company at the forefront of innovation in taste, scent, health, and biosciences.* Influence the future direction of the Naturals business through high-impact strategic initiatives.* Work closely with senior leaders and key decision-makers across a global organization.* Build relationships with some of the most innovative startups, research institutions, suppliers, and industry partners worldwide.* Be part of a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment where innovation, sustainability, and growth are at the heart of everything we do.* Access continuous learning and development opportunities while growing your global network and career.