Explo Lead

Research & Innovation

About the job

The Explo Lead is responsible for bringing the explo agenda to life for the Early Life Nutrition (ELN) category. The person will play a pivotal role coordinating and driving the R&I needs with cross-functional partners to deliver the expand where we should be and seed the future agenda. The person will also be accountable to drive the decarbonisation agenda and expertise for the category.

This position is a critical position for the SN growth.

In this position, you will be reporting into the ELN Explo Director and you will have the following accountabilities and responsibilities:

• Co-lead with Governance & Portfolio team transformation of R&I exploration process: establish a robust process, deliverables, and governance instances to drive flawless execution.
• R&I lead for the P4G program with C&P: ensure Category R&I solution requirements are translated into P4G briefs. Drive progress of P4G approved briefs and ensure systematic reporting to R&I explo governances.
• Act as ELN R&I Category coordinator for Adv techno and MNS led programs, drive effective structure to ensure strategic alignment with business priorities and delivery of key milestones.
• Champion sustainability and decarbonisation for the category, driving the category decarbonisation roadmap.
• Build culture and step up on IP generation and execution in projects.
• Strategise the incorporation of trendscape and foresights into the category explo program.
• Co-build the explo strategy and pipeline for ELN category and zones.
• Work closely with the Exploration team on new benefits and new product features.
• Play a critical connecting role with Countries where ELN innovations are deployed and/or produced.
• Inspire and drive mindset shift towards holistic design for superiority.

About you

Your profile:

You are a dedicated professional with a passion for driving Innovation, developing new ideas into commercial products, and new ways of thinking to serve the business and inspire teams towards excellence.

Your expertise:

• PhD / Master’s degree in Food Technology/Food Science/Life science.
• At least 8 years of experience in Product Design and Development, preferably in SN AND in FMCG.
• Strong Technical background in SN engines and know-how.
• FMGC expertise in translating consumers’ needs into products.
• Business Acumen.
• Excellence in Execution.
• Stakeholder Management/Influence & Engagement.
• Strategic thinking.
• Management and Team Leadership skills.
• Ability to attract, develop and retain talent.

About Danone

Working here you’ll need to enjoy a fast-pace, complexity and it can get a little challenging. But it’s packed with opportunities. You’ll work with some of the best-known brands in the world, such as Evian, Nutricia, Activia and Nutrilon and we absolutely guarantee that you can just be yourself. Be innovative and entrepreneurial and the impact you could make might just amaze you. Join our movement for a healthier world. One Planet One Health BY YOU.

We are proud to be an equal employer. We are convinced our differences make the difference and that an inclusive working environment will drive our growth as a business, as teams and as individuals. We will therefore consider all applicants for employment fostering an inclusive working culture that is accessible for all.

Did you know that as a B-Corp certified company, Danone Benelux meets the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability?

We Offer

At Danone, we offer a complete package of benefits, with a competitive primary salary and yearly bonus, but also benefits like a premium free pension, 30 days annual leave and several discounts on a collective health insurance and even on some of our products.

Dedicated to bringing health through food to as many people as possible, we are a leading global food & beverage company built on four businesses: Essential Dairy and Plant-Based Products, Waters, Early Life Nutrition and Medical Nutrition.