Senior Director Strategic Marketing and Innovation, Pet Food

Shape the Future of Pet Food with dsm-firmenich

INTRODUCTION

At dsm-firmenich, our Pet Food segment combines decades of science-based expertise with cutting-edge innovation to deliver premium nutrition solutions for cats and dogs. We partner with pet food manufacturers worldwide to create products that meet the evolving expectations of today’s pet parent: focusing on health, taste, and sustainability. Our portfolio includes bespoke vitamin and mineral premixes, sensory solutions, microbiome support, and algal-based omega-3s, all designed to promote pet well-being at every life stage. With dedicated facilities in Europe and North America and a strong commitment to quality and traceability, we set new standards for safety and sustainability in pet nutrition. Our mission is simple: to help pets live healthier, happier lives while supporting a more sustainable planet.

To shape the future of Pet Food and drive innovation, we are looking for a Senior Director Strategic Marketing and Innovation—a visionary senior commercial leader who thrives at the intersection of market strategy and innovation. This isn’t a traditional marketing or R&D role; it’s suited for a senior commercial leader who has successfully bridged the worlds of marketing strategy and innovation management. Candidates whose experience is limited to functional brand marketing, communications, or R&D project management are unlikely to be a fit. If you are someone who can see the big picture, shape bold strategies, and turn insights into breakthrough, commercially viable solutions, this role is for you! You’ll lead the charge in driving innovation that truly makes a difference for our customers and their pets!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Shape the strategy: Develop and implement the overall BU Marketing & Innovation strategy, including short-, mid-, and long-term platform plans. Your approach will be grounded in global and regional consumer insights, customer needs, and market dynamics—covering segment size, growth, and trends.
• Build and lead a world-class team: Inspire, manage, and grow a high-performing Strategic Marketing & Innovation team.
• Drive partnerships: Lead key relationships on the marketing and innovation side, including strategic collaborations with customers and external partners. Act as a Steering Committee member for these initiatives.
• Own the numbers: Oversee the marketing & innovation budget and ensure robust financial planning for business case development, working closely with stakeholders to enable sound strategic decisions.
• Protect and maximize IP: Define and implement IP strategies for the project portfolio, including patent analysis and recommendations to unlock maximum value for dsm-firmenich.

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 €130,000 - €150,000 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

• Master’s degree in Business or Marketing, or a Master’s in Science combined with an MBA (or equivalent experience).
• Significant experience at the intersection of marketing and innovation—ideally in a B2B or ingredient solutions environment—where success relies on connecting market insights, technical capabilities, and commercial execution.
• A strong track record of managing the full concept-to-commercialization cycle: from identifying opportunity spaces and building business cases to driving development priorities and ensuring successful market launches.
• Demonstrated ability to translate customer and market insight into innovation strategy, and innovation outcomes into compelling customer value propositions.
• Experience leading (not just participating) in innovation programs involving Marketing, R&D, and Commercial teams.
• Solid understanding of regulatory requirements, patents, and IP-related issues.
• Strong financial acumen: grasp of cost calculation methods, investment estimates, and business case development.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

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.