Research & Innovation Director (Adult)

Short Intro and About the Job

Danone Nutricia Research builds bridges between science and food. Our Research Centre for Specialized Nutrition, located in the Utrecht Science Park in the Netherlands is a state of the art Life Science innovation center for the development of new product concepts but also the on-going improvement of our existing range for Specialized Nutrition (SN). We create formulas that provide clinically substantiated health benefits to vulnerable consumers - infants, toddlers, elderly and patients.

 

By bringing together employees from different backgrounds, with complementary scientific and technological expertise, we have been able to build a creative, high-spirit powerhouse to spur our innovation. With over 600 employees, the Utrecht R&I centre delivers evidence-based specialised nutrition to infants, pregnant women, patients and the elderly. Find more about us: www.nutriciaresearch.com

 

Are you passionate to impact lives and advance health outcomes?

 

Join us for a unique leadership role where you’ll drive innovation and make a real impact in a growing and global category!

 

We are seeking an accomplished R&I leader with strong technical record of complex product design and with proven strategic vision. Your role will be to shape and execute a portfolio of science-driven, superior innovations for Danone Adult Nutrition.

 

You will leverage market foresight, HCP and patient insights, and Proprietary Science & Techno assets to ensure a sustained competitive advantage.

 

You will be responsible for:

Designing and keeping robust and competitive the portfolio of Nutrition products (Tube feeding) for patients with critical needs

Achieving robust product pipeline value, enhancing gross margins, reducing carbon equivalents

Delivering significant improvements in patient health and quality of life through science engine delivery, format and digital health devices.

As the lead of Adult Tube Research & Innovation (R&I) team, you will mobilize cross-functional teams to achieve superior core portfolio and year-3 innovation pipeline sufficiency targets, by leading transformational projects. In addition project execution will be driven through need / benefit led approach, data driven and process technology thoroughness, agile and collaborative methodologies that foster accountability, discipline, and rapid problem-solving across global teams.

 

Furthermore as a business partner, you will navigate ambiguity and complexity, providing clarity in category strategy and ensuring aligned resource allocation for pipeline delivery. Finally developing talent is key—you will mentor, coach, and empower teams at all levels, nurturing a culture of innovation and leadership throughout the organization.

 

About You

The successful candidate will contribute towards the strategy and the growth of the Adult category in Specialized Nutrition. Use science, consumer insight, and technology assets to launch transformational innovations and sustain market leadership. Champion cross-functional integration and external partnership to deliver category growth for Danone globally.

 

SKILLS & CAPABILITIES 

• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills to navigate complex organizational landscapes.
• Highly collaborative with the ability to work effectively with multiple teams and cultures, and to engage and challenge higher business stakeholders.
• Innovative and proactive in problem-solving and solution implementation.
• Strategic mindset and the ability to see the big picture.
• Strong mentality of getting things done alternatively strong collaborative and partnering mindset & Business savviness.
• Forward and strategic thinker to influence user-centric design.
• Ability to influence stakeholders across seniority levels, to attract, mentor, and inspire talents.
• Ability to challenge the status quo, strive for continuous improvement.
• Master's or Ph.D.) in Food Science, Nutrition, Biochem, Chemical Eng, or a related field.
• 10+ years R&I including team leadership
• Entrepreneur mindset & Business Acumen
• Team Leadership (Engage/Motivate/Develop)
• At ease networking (internal and external)

About Us, We offer and What's next

At Danone we are committed to our mission “bringing health, through food to as many people as possible”. We are working together to make sure that our brands, like Nutricia and Nutrilon, create real benefits for people, communities and the planet. You will be part of one of the largest Certified B Corps™ in the world. Being B Corp means to be part of a select movement of companies verified to be meeting the highest standards of social and environmental criteria and using business as a force for good. One Planet. One Health.

 

We offer:

All Danoners receive a complete package of benefits. This includes a competitive salary and yearly bonus, a premium free pension, 30 days of annual leave (with the opportunity to purchase more) and you will receive a monthly health care allowance. In addition, you can get discount on your gym membership, and we offer initiatives focused on nutrition, physical, and mental health. We provide continuous learning opportunities through workshops, online courses and training sessions.

We put people at the center of everything we do. Bring your unique perspective, ambitions and ideas to the table – the impact you could make might surprise you. We are committed to embrace diversity, nurturing an inclusive workplace where every individual is valued; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is deeply embedded in Danone's DNA.

 

What's next:

It’s simple – hit the “apply” button. In order to comply with GDPR we can’t process your personal data without your given consent, so please apply directly via this website. Good luck! We can’t wait to meet you.

* All applications will be considered for a vacancy without discrimination based on ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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