Explo Lead

Danone; Utrecht; On-site; EUR 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Danone Netherlands seeks an Innovation Strategy & Exploration Lead in Utrecht to shape the Early Life Nutrition pipeline by blending scientific insight with commercial strategy. You will connect global teams with regional markets to ensure relevant, deployable innovations."

The role requires steering cross-functional programmes across Research & Innovation, Product Development, Marketing and Sustainability, while driving governance and pursuing sustainability-driven growth and product leadership.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Food Science, Food Technology, Life Sciences or a related scientific discipline.
• Significant experience in product innovation, product development, research and innovation or technology development within FMCG, food, nutrition or health-related industries.
• Strong understanding of how to translate consumer needs, market opportunities and scientific insights into successful products and solutions.
• Demonstrated experience leveraging consumer trends, emerging technologies and innovation foresight to shape strategy and business growth.
• Proven track record of leading complex cross-functional programmes and influencing senior stakeholders in matrix organisations.
• Strong strategic thinking, business acumen and execution excellence.

Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver the Early Life Nutrition innovation pipeline by identifying future growth opportunities, emerging technologies, scientific advances and evolving consumer needs.
• Lead cross-functional innovation programmes, bringing together Research & Innovation, Marketing, Sustainability and Business stakeholders to deliver strategic priorities and key milestones.
• Drive innovation excellence by evolving exploration processes, strengthening governance and improving portfolio management to accelerate the transition from ideas to impactful solutions.
• Champion sustainability and decarbonisation initiatives, embedding environmental considerations into innovation strategies and product development roadmaps.
• Leverage consumer, scientific and technology trends to identify future opportunities and inform long-term innovation strategies.
• Act as a critical bridge between global innovation teams and local markets, supporting the successful deployment, scaling and adoption of innovation across geographies.
• Foster a culture of creativity, scientific excellence and intellectual property generation while promoting a holistic, consumer-centric approach to product superiority.

Skills

Innovation leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's degree in Food Science/Life Sciences

PhD in related field

Job description

Research & Innovation

As Innovation Strategy & Exploration Lead, you will operate at the intersection of Research & Innovation, Product Development, Marketing, Sustainability and Business teams. You will combine scientific expertise, strategic foresight and commercial understanding to shape the future of the category and build a robust pipeline of innovation opportunities.

You will lead cross-functional innovation programmes, strengthen innovation governance and processes, champion sustainability initiatives and ensure the category remains at the forefront of scientific and consumer-driven innovation.

A key aspect of the role will be connecting global innovation teams with regional and local markets to ensure new solutions are relevant, deployable and positioned for long‑term success.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver the Early Life Nutrition innovation pipeline by identifying future growth opportunities, emerging technologies, scientific advances and evolving consumer needs.
• Lead cross-functional innovation programmes, bringing together Research & Innovation, Marketing, Sustainability and Business stakeholders to deliver strategic priorities and key milestones.
• Drive innovation excellence by evolving exploration processes, strengthening governance and improving portfolio management to accelerate the transition from ideas to impactful solutions.
• Champion sustainability and decarbonisation initiatives, embedding environmental considerations into innovation strategies and product development roadmaps.
• Leverage consumer, scientific and technology trends to identify future opportunities and inform long‑term innovation strategies.
• Act as a critical bridge between global innovation teams and local markets, supporting the successful deployment, scaling and adoption of innovation across geographies.
• Foster a culture of creativity, scientific excellence and intellectual property generation while promoting a holistic, consumer‑centric approach to product superiority.

About you

You are an innovation leader who combines scientific expertise with commercial thinking, bringing the ability to connect diverse stakeholders, translate strategy into action and identify future opportunities that drive category growth and business performance.

With experience in international and matrixed environments, this role calls for someone who is comfortable navigating complexity, influencing across functions and delivering results.

Must‑Haves

• Master's degree or PhD in Food Science, Food Technology, Life Sciences or a related scientific discipline.
• Significant experience in product innovation, product development, research and innovation or technology development within FMCG, food, nutrition or health‑related industries.
• Strong understanding of how to translate consumer needs, market opportunities and scientific insights into successful products and solutions.
• Demonstrated experience leveraging consumer trends, emerging technologies and innovation foresight to shape strategy and business growth.
• Proven track record of leading complex cross‑functional programmes and influencing senior stakeholders in matrix organisations.
• Strong strategic thinking, business acumen and execution excellence.

Nice‑to‑Haves

• Experience within Early Life Nutrition, Medical Nutrition or specialised nutrition categories.
• Knowledge of sustainability, climate strategy or decarbonisation programmes.
• Experience managing innovation portfolios, technology scouting or open innovation initiatives.
• Knowledge of intellectual property generation and innovation protection strategies.
• Experience leading teams, coaching talent and building organisational capability.

Team & Ways of Working

You will be part of the Early Life Nutrition Research & Innovation organisation and report to the Early Life Nutrition Exploration Director.

Working in a highly collaborative environment, you will partner with colleagues across Research & Innovation, Product Development, Marketing, Sustainability, Operations and regional business teams. The role requires strong stakeholder engagement, excellent communication skills and the ability to align diverse perspectives around a shared innovation vision.

About Danone

Working at Danone is a unique experience. It’s fast‑paced and complex, and at times, it can be challenging. But it’s packed with opportunities to learn and grow, working with some of the best‑known brands in the world, like Evian, Alpro, Nutricia, Activia, and Nutrilon. Bring your unique perspective, ambitions, and entrepreneurial ideas to the table – the impact you could make might just surprise you.

We’re proud to be a B‑Corp certified company. That means we meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability in everything we do.