Innovation Strategy & Exploration Lead

Danone

Utrecht

On-site

EUR 100,000 - 130,000

Full time

14 days+

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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.