Innovation (Associate) Director Beverages, Ingredient Solutions

The TTH Innovation team at dsm-firmenich discovers breakthrough ingredients and designs smart, future fit production processes. We turn ideas into impact by bringing together the best of R&D, application, marketing, manufacturing, and product management. Our scientists, technicians and application experts work side by side to push innovation forward while boosting performance and efficiency in our plants. We focus on high growth segments such as beverages, dairy, bakery, and pet food—shaping the next generation of food solutions.

To further strengthen our Beverages segment, we are seeking an Innovation (Associate) Director who will help build a bold, strategically aligned innovation roadmap that delivers truly differentiated solutions for beverage customers worldwide.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the Beverage innovation strategy, aligning it with the Beverage segment strategy and ensuring a strong pipeline of commercially relevant projects.
• Manage the full innovation project portfolio, steering projects from ideation to launch and coordinating activities across R&D, Application, Nutrition Sciences, Regulatory, Marketing, Sales, and Manufacturing.
• Create new ingredient and application concepts that address customer needs and showcase the combined value of ingredients, taste, and technology.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners, including Venturing, startups, ingredient categories, and key beverage customers, to identify opportunities and accelerate innovation.
• Lead the innovation process, including chairing the Beverages Innovation Board, setting project priorities, and overseeing resource allocation and budget decisions.
• Support global and regional customer engagement, contributing to strategic discussions, preparing innovation content, and ensuring strong alignment with major accounts.
• Ensure quality, safety, and process compliance, working with QESH and other stakeholders to maintain high standards across innovation activities.

We bring

• Unique career paths across health, nutrition and beauty - explore what drives you and get the support to make it happen.
• A chance to impact millions of consumers every day – sustainability embedded in all we do.
• A science led company, cutting edge research and creativity everywhere – from biotech breakthroughs to sustainability game-changers, you’ll work on what’s next.
• Growth that keeps up with you – you join an industry leader that will develop your expertise and leadership.
• A culture that lifts you up – with collaborative teams, shared wins, and people who cheer each other on.
• A community where your voice matters – it is essential to serve our customers well.

Compensation and benefits

Based on your experience, we offer a competitive base salary ranging from €115’000 - €140’000 per year (including holiday allowance and 13th month). Additional benefits include:

• 25 holidays
• Bonus opportunities
• Option to buy more holiday days with a 6.11% My Choice budget

And much more!

You bring

• Educational background in Food Science, Nutritional Science, Biotechnology or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in innovation, project management or program management within the food or food ingredients industry, preferably in B2B environments.
• Industry experience in beverages is required; knowledge of microbiome, health & well being is a strong plus.
• Proven track record in leading end-to-end innovation projects - from ideation to market launch - across multiple functions (R&D, application, marketing, manufacturing, and commercial).
• Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills, capable of navigating cross-functional priorities and aligning diverse teams toward shared project goals.
• Creative and entrepreneurial mindset, able to translate market and customer needs into a clear innovation strategy and maintain a healthy innovation pipeline.

About dsm-firmenich

At dsm-firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them. Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life. From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere. And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future. Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.