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Research & Innovation

SN R&I Allergy/Metabolics & Ketogenic (M&K) Category Director

  • Netherlands
  • Utrecht
  • On-site
  • Permanent Full-Time
  • Posted: 31 Mar 2025
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SN R&I Allergy/Metabolics & Ketogenic (M&K) Category Director

About the job

Danone Nutricia Research builds bridges between science and food. Our Research Centre for Specialized Nutrition, located in the Utrecht Science Park in the Netherlands is a state of the art Life Science innovation center for the development of new product concepts but also the on-going improvement of our existing range for Specialized Nutrition (SN). We create formulas that provide clinically substantiated health benefits to vulnerable consumers - infants, toddlers, elderly and patients. By bringing together employees from different backgrounds, with complementary scientific and technological expertise, we have been able to build a creative, high-spirit powerhouse to spur our innovation. With over 600 employees, the Utrecht R&I centre delivers evidence-based specialised nutrition to infants, pregnant women, patients and the elderly. Find more about us: www.nutriciaresearch.com

 

Within this role you will drive execution of Specialised Paediatric/Mets & Keto strategy and pipeline of transformational Innovations, by leveraging Science, Techno and User Experience assets, while anchoring in local consumer and market insights and trends.Lead Innovation, Renovation, Secure, Productivity and Compliance projects of Allergy/Mets & Meto portfolio. Deliver on Superiority, Decarbonation programs

Lead & Influence towards realisation of Specialised Paediatric/Mets & Keto intentional Growth ambition. Enabler in ambition to be undisputable leadership in this category.

 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES​

Business Strategy/Vision: Business Strategy​

Strategize the superiority, Danone Impact Journey/decarbonation, Business Continuity Planning, compliance, productivity mandates for the company by delivering the inno/reno and F4G projects as OneTouch for Europe, NORAM, AMEA Zones​

Impact on Business Results: Direct ​

Own and mobilise to deliver:​

  • efficiencies from optimizing Core portfolio and improved capabilities ​
  • incremental value from delivering EU, NORAM & AMEA Innovation Realisation Office and Productivity projects ​

Process & Projects​

  • Design the portfolio tiering combining claims, user benefits, science engine and relevant product attributes and formats​
  • Accountable for recipe design globally​
  • Identify functional capability needs to deliver product expertise & holistic design​

Managerial Complexity:​

Plays a key role in delivering on Spec Paeds/M&K Growth ambition ​

Drive change of accountability of Category team

 

KEY DELIVERABLES​

  • Lead Innovation, Renovation, Secure, Productivity and Compliance projects of Spec Paeds/Mets & Keto​
  • Capability building: redesign for decarbonation, liquid stability, hydrolysed protein, amino acid, M&K, across formats​
  • Key Aspect of renovation Core (superiority, decarbonation, BCP, compliance, productivity)by delivering inno/reno and Productivity projects within an agreed strategic frame.

 

KEY METRICS

  • INS Growth: Enable Intentional Growth of Spec Paeds/M&K Category​
  • Pipeline sufficiency (incr NS Y3) + Value at stake of Explo pipeline

 

MAIN INTERACTION​

External

  • Director (Category Brands & Innovation): SNU Allergy Director/ Metabolics & Ketogenics Acceleration Director​
  • Director (Ops): Product Sourcing​
  • Supply Point (Ops): Factory Director​
  • Director (CBU): Specialized Nutrition Unit Leads​

Internal​

  • Director/Senior Director (Zone R&I): Zone R&I Director

 

About you

Your Expertise

 

If you are a visionary, strategic leader with a solid technical background, and with a passion for steering teams toward excellence, you are definitely the candidate we are looking for.

 

INNOVATION SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

  • Deep understanding of R&I Function and Capabilities
  • Broad management experience  
  • FMCG R&D/Innovation Experience and Record
  • R&I/Scientific background (can grasp Specialized Nutrition)
  • FSMP/Medical Experience

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE:

  • (Master's or Ph.D.) in Food Science, Nutrition, Biochem, Chemical Eng, or a related field.
  • 10+ years R&I including team leadership
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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

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Job details

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. 

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