R&I Category is responsible for contributing to profitable business growth of FMCG categories WW by co-creating the category strategy, translating the strategy into R&I project portfolio, leading global projects

Specifically, R&I Category Team focused on big transformational projects for Global Brands. It helps to drive category growth by creating competitive edge via leveraging science & technology at scale. R&I Category Team initiates (or are involved into) the projects from the earliest stage IDEATE/EXPLO to the end of launch support (“Closure” phase). They also act as a client/key business partner for Advanced Tech teams, MNS, UX in the innovation process.

The primary mission of the position is to lead early-stage product prototyping at the global category level — from exploration and ideation to proof of concept — to support scalable and consumer-centric innovation, and technical de-risking.

The level of ambiguity at the initial stages of the projects is very high. So, to deliver the mission R&I Category manager has a high level of freedom to operate. The person should identify external and internal expertise required/ external & internal partners to involve / identify the best way to prove the concept & design of experiment etc

The manager reports hierarchically to the R&I Dairy functionals director and interacts with:

· R&I Category directors

· Zone R&I teams,

· Pilot Teams

· Marketing

· IPRO, Quality teams

· Global R&I Teams: Advanced Technology department, MNS, UX.

· Identify key risks for product execution within the list of concepts.

· Plan & perform list of activities to assess concept feasibility

· Design of experiments

· Prototype new formulas (focus on global chassis with local adaptation)

· Conduct product laboratory and pilot tests

· Coordinate samples shipments across CBUs

· Coordinate technical checks across lead markets (sensorial, shelf-life testing…)

· Ensure superiority by design (sensorial, nutritional, DIJ) based on local insights

· Align with Advanced Tech, MNS, and Zones to enable innovation at scale

· Propose the best cost-effective solutions.

· Provide inputs to product briefs.

Contribution to Growth and Competitiveness in Europe.

The business impact of the R\&I Category Manager is linked to the scope of their projects and project portfolio. They help generate growth in revenue and competitiveness.