Key Responsibilities: 

For this pivotal role, you will be responsible for: 

• Single point of contact for all R&I project activities managing stakeholder alignment, maintaining dashboards tracking progress, risks, milestones, and resource utilization 

• Translate strategy into robust, executable project plans with clear timelines and deliverables

• R&I matrix leader fostering a healthy, motivated, and high‑performance environment working with direct line managers to define clear roles, responsibilities, and annual objectives aligned with project milestones 

• Anticipate conflicts and synergies between projects and act early to resolve them 

• Balance
• speed, quality, and robustness in decision‑making under uncertainty  

• Actively manage and escalate risks, decisions, and support needs when required 

• Represent R&I in governance forums, including SteerCo, ensuring transparent communication 

• Ensure delivery of all R&I objectives while managing complexity, dependencies, and risks 

About You: 

• A B.A. or MSc degree in chemical Engineering, Bio-Chemical Engineering, Food Technology, Food Science
• 10 years + significant experience in R&I technical project or program management within FMCG, Food, Pharma or Manufacturing environments.
• Proven track record managing complex, multi-year, cross functional projects, deploying projects in operations.
• Experience operating in a matrix organization and representing R&I interests in senior governance forums in fast paced, high stakes environments.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills at all organizational levels.
• Ability to develop strategy into structured execution plans.
• A Leader who creates clarity, alignment, and engagement while remaining resilient and calm under pressure

Technical Experience: 

• Strong understanding of Quality & Food safety non negotiables for this category
• Master levels understanding of qualification and validation process requirements
• Proven R&I project management track record preferably with PMP or equivalent certification
• Experience starting up aseptic processing and packaging lines
• Willingness to travel up to 25% to Hoofddop & Utrecht, Netherlands
• Operations and / or quality role experience in liquid medical products an advantage

Danone is a large, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company with market leading brands across four divisions: Essential Dairy and Plant Based Products, Waters, Specialised Nutrition and Medical Nutrition. Specialised Nutrition offers nutritional solutions with the shared goal of improving the health and well-being of vulnerable individuals, from the first day of pregnancy into old age. We are looking for high calibre, dedicated and experienced personnel to complement our existing workforce.

At Danone we are passionate in our commitment to sustainability with the belief in building a healthier future through food. Our eating and drinking choices have an impact on our own health, the health of our society and the health of our planet. 

Ensuring an inclusive working culture that is accessible to all is important to us. Danone Infant Nutrition Macroom is an Equal Opportunities Employer. 

Please note, owing to the high volume of applications we receive, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.