Danone France is not trying to be the best company in the world, but the best company for the world! 
That's why all 26 of our brands in France are B Corp™ certified. 
B Corp is the compass that guides our CSR strategy! 
This certification allows us to challenge ourselves, continually improve and measure our social and environmental performance. 

Danone's research and innovation (R&I) centre, located in Gif-sur-Yvette on the Saclay plateau, is a global center of excellence dedicated to food innovation research. 
Inaugurated in 2023, this ultra-modern center is at the heart of one of the world's leading scientific hubs. 
It is home to more than 500 passionate experts of 40 different nationalities, working in the fields of life sciences, health and nutrition, consumer experience and the development of tomorrow's products. 
Equipped with laboratories and pilot facilities, it supports innovation and development. 
The Danone R&I Center is part of a global research ecosystem designed to foster collaboration with food technology start-ups and accelerate innovation in partnership with consumers and food and health stakeholders.

DDAI (Data, Digital & AI) is one of the strategic pillars of Danone’s global R&I transformation. It exists to accelerate how we innovate — by embedding digital, data and artificial intelligence into every step of our scientific, product, and operational workflows. DDAI enables R&I teams to deliver faster, better, and more confidently, turning complex science and insights into real business impact

DDAI plays a pivotal role in:

• Accelerating innovation through digital twins, in‑silico models, advanced analytics, and GenAI tools.
• Strengthening scientific capabilities with proprietary AI models and integrated data ecosystems.
• Improving efficiency and compliance by digitizing QFS & R&I processes, enabling faster regulatory workflows.
• Upskilling the organization through the DDAI Academy and cross‑functional collaboration with IT&Data and QFS.

DDAI is building the digital, data and AI backbone of Danone R&I. Joining DDAI means joining a purpose‑driven, pioneering team at the heart of how Danone reinvents health through food, reshaping how Danone designs the next generation of products, services, and scientific breakthroughs powered by science and technology.

Position Overview :

Reporting directly to the VP Global R&I Digital and AI, the Senior Director DDAI Strategic Office is a pivotal leadership role that will:

• Provide strategic leadership and drive the action plan for the entire DDAI portfolio and demand management process.
• Maintain both a "helicopter view" of the DDAI landscape and the ability to deep-dive into specific projects to ensure strategic alignment and manage conflicts.
• Drive the shaping and execution of the overarching DDAI strategy, ensuring it aligns with R&I's objectives and the DDAI Lab's mission.
• Ensure the efficient execution of key functions managed by your team, including demand management, governance and cybersecurity , and the delivery of foundational data programs like Cybele.
• Advise the VP to optimize resource allocation by centralizing needs and ensuring that talent and budget are focused on Danone's top DDAI priorities.

Key responsibilities :

• Drive the overarching DDAI strategy, building and shaping it for R&I. Establish the governance framework, leading the steering committee and ensuring strict cybersecurity and compliance.
• Lead strategic portfolio management for all DDAI initiatives, overseeing a centralized process to capture, evaluate, and prioritize needs with focus and drive from across the business, acting as an R&I leader.
• Financial & Resource Enabler: Manage the DDAI budget lifecycle, from long-term financial planning to ROI analysis, and advise the VPDirect the execution of foundational data programs (e.g., Cybele, Veeva, proper health data storage and access, etc.) to build the right capabilities and robust data infrastructure necessary to fuel all AI and digital initiatives.
• Participate in strategic RFI/RFQ processes to select key platforms and partners. Bring the outside in and connect to the external eco-system, ensuring alignment with the long-term DDAI roadmap.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of experts, while partnering closely with fellow DDAI directors to ensure cohesive leadership and strategic alignement

• 15+ years of strategic planning or portfolio leadership experience in a technology-driven, large-scale organization, demonstrating a track record of success across various roles.
• Exceptional strategic vision with proven ability to build, shape, and deliver large-scale DDAI transformation strategies, driving consumer and patient centricity.
• Strong DDAI domain expertise, with the ability to self-learn and grow beyond core domain and contribute to broadening R&I professionals' expertise.
• Superior stakeholder management, including ability to influence at the executive level, navigate complexity and uncertainty, and unlock conflicts, keeping Danone First in mind.
• Demonstrated mastery in prioritization, focus, and drive, portfolio management, and streamlining processes to simplify for teams & stakeholders.
• Experience with governance, risk management, and cybersecurity principles, underpinned by strong business acumen.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor senior-level teams, focusing on developing people/teams and delivering through people

We are proud to promote diversity and equal opportunities within our teams. We believe that our differences make a difference and that an inclusive working environment will stimulate our growth as a company, as teams and as individuals. We will therefore consider all applications*, promoting an inclusive working culture where everyone can feel they belong. 

We have also decided to remove inclusive writing from our job offers because its complexity penalises people with cognitive disabilities, such as dyslexia, dysphasia or apraxia. 

*All applications will be considered regardless of origin, background, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability... 

One Planet, One Health - BY YOU! 

Our four ‘HOPE’ values: HUMANISM, OPENNESS, PROXIMITY and ENTHUSIASM serve as our compass. 

Every day, you will make decisions that have an impact on our economic and social performance, as well as on our ability to achieve our ambitions. 
At Danone, you can simply be yourself. We believe it's up to YOU to define the way you work, develop and grow. 
With us, you'll work in a challenging, authentic and caring environment.