Digital Operations & Innovation Lead APAC

Givaudan Singapore Pte Ltd; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Givaudan Singapore Pte Ltd is seeking a Digitalization, Automation & Innovation Lead for APAC to drive digital transformation across manufacturing sites. You will promote Industry 4.0 adoption, partner with stakeholders, and scale innovative technologies to improve productivity and quality.

The role focuses on strategy, governance, and regional collaboration with external partners, supporting Givaudan's 2030 Operations Vision in APAC.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and above in Engineering, Automation, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or related discipline.
• Minimum 6–8 years of working experience in a manufacturing environment, with a minimum of 2 years' experience leading digital transformation, automation, innovation, or manufacturing engineering.
• Experience leading Industry 4.0, automation, AI, or digital manufacturing projects.
• Experience collaborating with external technology partners or research institutes is an advantage.
• Experience working in a regional or global manufacturing environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead Innovation initiatives from opportunity identification through pilot implementation and industrialization.
• Build and manage a strong pipeline of innovation opportunities aligned with regional business priorities.
• Serve as the regional focal point for external innovation partners and build strategic collaborations.
• Lead cross-functional teams to deliver digitalization, automation, and innovation initiatives across APAC Operations.
• Manage the regional portfolio of digitalization, automation, and innovation projects and monitor benefits.

Skills

AI/ML

IIoT

Robotics

Computer Vision

Advanced Analytics

MES

Digital Twin

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering/CS

Job description

Join us and celebrate the beauty of human experience. Create for happier, healthier lives, with love for nature. Together, with our customers, we deliver food innovations, craft inspired fragrances and develop beauty and wellbeing solutions. There’s much to learn and many to learn from, with more than 17,000 employees around the world to explore ideas and ambitions with.
In Singapore, you’ll be at the centre of every innovation, creation and solution available to the entire Asia-pacific region. Working with our research, creation and production units, as well as our renowned perfumery school, you’ll make us a greater force for good. Every day, your passion, your creativity, and your expertise will shape our future, making a positive difference on billions of people. Every essence of you enriches our world. We are Givaudan. Human by nature.

Digitalization, Automation & Innovation Lead, APAC - Your future position?

Purpose

As the Digitalization, Automation and Innovation Lead for APAC, you will lead the digital transformation of APAC Operations. This transformation will accelerate as we promote the adoption of Industry 4.0, AI, automation, and digital manufacturing solutions. These solutions will improve productivity, quality, and sustainability. Partner with stakeholders to identify, pilot, and scale innovative technologies across the manufacturing network, delivering measurable benefits. Similarly, you will use Singapore's innovation ecosystem and technology partnerships to strengthen APAC manufacturing capabilities and support Givaudan's 2030 Operations Vision.

Location: 1 Woodlands Avenue 8

Reporting to : Head of Operations Excellence, APAC T&W

Main Responsibilities

Innovation Management

• Lead innovation initiatives from opportunity identification through pilot implementation and industrialization.
• Build and manage a strong pipeline of innovation opportunities aligned with regional business priorities.
• Scout emerging technologies and strategic partners while fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

External Innovation Ecosystem

• Serve as the regional focal point for external innovation partners, including government agencies, universities, startups, and technology providers.
• Build strategic collaborations to accelerate technology adoption and manufacturing capability development.
• Represent APAC Operations in innovation networks and champion Singapore's role as a regional manufacturing innovation hub.

Cross-functional Leadership

• Lead cross-functional teams to deliver digitalization, automation, and innovation initiatives across APAC Operations.
• Ensure agreement between regional projects and global digital programmes while driving replication and scaling of successful solutions.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement, communication, and knowledge sharing across the regional manufacturing network.

Portfolio Management & Governance

• Manage the regional portfolio of digitalization, automation, and innovation projects to ensure strategic agreement and value delivery.
• Apply project governance methodologies, develop business cases, and monitor risks, resources, milestones, and benefit realization.
• Prepare portfolio updates, project recommendations, and executive presentations for regional leadership review.

Digitalization & Automation

• Lead the execution of the APAC Operations Digitalization, Automation & Innovation roadmap across manufacturing sites.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement AI, automation, robotics, advanced analytics, and Industry 4.0 solutions to improve manufacturing performance.
• Drive industrialization, adoption, and regional scaling of successful digital and automation initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree and above in Engineering, Automation, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or related discipline.
• Minimum 6–8 years of working experience in a manufacturing environment, with a minimum of 2 years' experience leading digital transformation, automation, innovation, or manufacturing engineering.
• Experience leading Industry 4.0, automation, AI, or digital manufacturing projects.
• Experience collaborating with external technology partners or research institutes is an advantage.
• Experience working in a regional or global manufacturing environment is preferred.

Preferred Technical Knowledge

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning
• Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
• Robotics & Cobots
• Computer Vision
• Advanced Analytics
• Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
• Unified Named Space (UNS)
• Industrial Automation & Control Systems
• Digital Twin
• Advanced Process Control
• Process Mining
• Smart Manufacturing & Industry 4.0
• Data Visualization (e.g., Power BI)

#LI-Onsite

At Givaudan, you contribute to delightful taste and scent experiences that touch people’s lives.

We value the different perspectives that come from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

Everyone — regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, culture, religion, or any personal circumstances — is warmly welcomed at Givaudan, a place where we all love to be and grow.

Every essence of you enriches our world. Join us in making a difference together.