Global Innovation Director, Substrates & Growth

AgriHolland; Nederland; Hybrid; EUR 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Kekkilä-BVB, a leading international producer of substrates and growing media for professional horticulture, seeks an Innovation Director in the Netherlands to shape the future of the industry. You will own the strategy, lead the innovation organization, and report directly to the Group CEO, driving market-driven innovation and commercial success.

You will connect R&D with product management and sales, guiding labs in De Lier and Venlo, and collaborating with global partners.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in plant sciences, horticulture, chemistry, biology, technology or a related field.
• Extensive international experience in innovation, R&D, product development and business development.
• Proven track record in commercialising innovations and managing innovation portfolios.
• Strong leadership and commercial insight with the ability to bring diverse disciplines and partners together.
• Excellent English; Dutch language skills are strongly preferred and willingness to travel internationally.

Responsibilities

• Define and deliver an innovation strategy with a three- to five-year horizon aligned with the international business strategy.
• Identify market opportunities and turn them into innovative substrate solutions and circular raw materials for greenhouse horticulture and related sectors.
• Lead the innovation portfolio and implement a structured Idea-to-Market process to move ideas to market.
• Direct the innovation organisation, guiding a shift to a more commercial, market-focused culture and leading labs in De Lier and Venlo.
• Foster collaboration with R&D, product management, sales and external partners, including knowledge institutes and universities.

Job description

Kekkilä-BVB, a leading international producer of substrates and growing media for professional horticulture, seeks an Innovation Director in the Netherlands to shape the future of the industry. You will own the strategy, lead the innovation organization, and report directly to the Group CEO, driving market-driven innovation and commercial success.

You will connect R&D with product management and sales, guiding labs in De Lier and Venlo, and collaborating with global partners.