Digitalization Program Manager - Packaging Pilot Plant and Laboratory

Utrecht / Hybrid

Are you passionate about digital transformation, data-driven innovation, and advanced packaging technologies? Are you an experienced digital or data professional with a background in manufacturing, laboratories, pilot plants, or R&D environments? We have an exciting opportunity as Digitalization Program Manager - Packaging Pilot Plant & Laboratory.

• Netherlands
• Utrecht
• On-site

About the job

Our team

Our Advanced Technologies Packaging team develops breakthrough packaging solutions, technologies, and materials that create value for consumers and the planet. Within this organization, the Advanced Data & Modelling team drives data-driven and digital capabilities that accelerate innovation through advanced analytics, modelling, and connected ways of working.

As part of the Advanced Data & Modelling team, you will lead the digital transformation of Danone's Packaging Pilot Plant & Laboratory. You will help modernize how experimental data is captured, connected, and leveraged, enabling faster innovation, better decision-making, and stronger collaboration across R&I.

In your role as Digitalization Program Manager, your key responsibilities are:

• Lead the digital transformation roadmap for the Evian Pilot Plant and Laboratory, aligned with Danone R&I data strategy, IT/OT standards, cybersecurity, and enterprise data platforms.
• Identify and prioritize high-impact processes for digitalization across pilot plant and laboratory operations.
• Design, implement and continuously improve the end-to-end data workflow, from test request and planning to execution, data capture, reporting, and knowledge capitalization.
• Act as data steward, ensuring robust data models, metadata standards, governance, quality rules, traceability, reusability, and reliable inputs for KPI calculations and dashboards.
• Manage daily digital operations, including shopfloor data acquisition, sensor upgrades, laboratory instrument connectivity, workflow updates, software maintenance, troubleshooting, and user support.
• Identify digital use cases such as real-time monitoring, in-silico models, and virtual pilot approaches to improve trial efficiency, lab performance, knowledge reuse, scale-up confidence, and decision-making.
• Drive adoption by engaging users, training stakeholders, collecting shopfloor feedback, and adapting solutions to operational needs.

Meet your future manager! You will report to Federico Hernandez, Capability & Prototyping Sr Team Leader.

About you

You bring:

• Master's degree in Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, Automation, Information Systems, or a related scientific discipline.
• 5-8 years of experience in digital transformation, data systems, automation, or smart manufacturing within an R&D, laboratory, pilot plant, or industrial environment.
• Experience driving digital transformation, data workflows, or smart manufacturing in pilot plant, laboratory, manufacturing, or industrial R&D environments.
• Strong understanding of pilot plant/lab operations and end-to-end workflows, from planning and execution through data capture and reporting.
• Ability to translate business and operational needs into IT, data, and automation requirements.
• Strong knowledge of data management, governance, integration, and IT/OT environments.
• Hands-on exposure to technologies such as SCADA, MES, Historian, PLC/IIoT, sensors, Azure, Databricks, or equivalent platforms.
• Experience with LIMS/ELN, scientific data systems, digital twins, simulation, or advanced analytics is a plus.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication, and change management skills, with the ability to drive user adoption in operational environments.
• Fluent in English and French, with the ability to work effectively in a French-speaking pilot plant and laboratory environment.
• Willingness to travel frequently (approximately 60%), primarily to Evian, France.
• Experience with Azure, Databricks, or other enterprise data platforms is a plus.
• Familiarity with digital twins, process simulation, modelling, or advanced analytics is a plus.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity, IT/OT environments, and industrial system lifecycle management is a plus.

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.