Head of Analytical Excellence, Specialized Nutrition

Danone; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Danone is seeking a seasoned leader for Analytical Excellence in Specialized Nutrition and First Diets. You will lead a six‑person Chemistry and Microbiology team, ensuring reliable data from internal and external labs to support decisions and regulatory compliance.

The role requires 15+ years in lab environments, ISO 17025 experience, and strong governance through QMS and audits. Travel up to 25% is expected as part of external engagements.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in lab related activities with at least 5 years under ISO 17025 accreditation.
• Knowledge of ISO 17025, GLP, lab QMS, auditing, and strategy setting.
• Experience with analytical methods in chemistry and microbiology, with nutrition focus preferred.
• Leadership experience and ability to manage complexity.
• Strong stakeholder interaction across levels.
• Fluent English; French is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Be the Single Point of Contact for Analytical Excellence for Specialized Nutrition and First Diets categories, connecting category needs with analytical expertise and capabilities.
• Shape and drive the Analytical Excellence strategy for Specialized Nutrition and First Diets, translating the global strategy into category priorities and action plans.
• Drive the analytical performance programme for Specialized Nutrition and First Diets categories, ensuring factory laboratories deliver reliable and traceable data for decision‑making.
• Ensure definition of approved analytical methods for Specialized Nutrition and First Diets categories, covering nutrients, contaminants, allergens and microbiology parameters.
• Mobilize analytical expertise to support innovation and renovation, mitigate risks and resolve technical challenges across Specialized Nutrition and First Diets.
• Define and drive the external engagement plan for Specialized Nutrition and First Diets categories in line with required advocacy and business requirements.
• Represent Danone and Analytical Excellence in external strategic forums such as AOAC SPIFAN, influencing the standardization of analytical methods dedicated to sensitive categories.
• Set project priorities and steer delivery across internal centers of expertise and external partners, delivering Specialized Nutrition and First Diets analytical projects within budget.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Analytical testing

ISO 17025 knowledge

GLP knowledge

QMS

Auditing

Education

Master/PhD in analytical science

Job description

Danone is seeking a seasoned leader for Analytical Excellence in Specialized Nutrition and First Diets. You will lead a six‑person Chemistry and Microbiology team, ensuring reliable data from internal and external labs to support decisions and regulatory compliance.

The role requires 15+ years in lab environments, ISO 17025 experience, and strong governance through QMS and audits. Travel up to 25% is expected as part of external engagements.