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

As leader for this role, you will co-build and drive the User Experience strategy for ELN/ Spec Peads categories with Specialzied Nutrition Unit directors and R&I Early Life Nutrition and Peads directors. Influence and impact Early Life Nutrition and Peads categories agendas. 

Enable the winning of Brand of First Choice with consumer centric value added benefits and achieving undisputable leadership in Spec Paeds

Contribute to the  Intentional Growth of Early Life Nutrition / Spec Paeds Category

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Strategy/Vision: Functional Strategy

Support the reshaping of early life to offset category headwinds and secure sustained Growth (Win Brand of First Choice with consumer centric value added benefits).

Secure undisputable leadership in Peads categories in many markets and we still need to maintain category leadership while growing and expanding in new geos.

Impact on Business Results: Direct

Fuel Inno/Reno with sensory and consumer insights to drive business go/no go decision and risk analysis on product superiority and competitiveness. Play key role on business impact within the category, especially in Early Life Nutrition to bring the meaningful insights to shape the new category strategy together with Category Brands & Innovation. Bring and deliver new insights to drive Peads category expansion with Superiority drivers and User Experience claims

Process & Projects

• Superiority program and claims valorisation
• Early Life Nutrition Inno projects :
• Peads Inno projects :

Managerial Complexity: Difficult

•  Engage stakeholders and senior leadership around consumer/patient centricity
•  Integrate User Experience insights to deliver superiority vrs competition.
•  Influencing beyond immediate scope both functionally and cross functionally
•  integrates both the development of their area of specialism activity at global and the other factors  relevant to their domain

KEY DELIVERABLES

• Define User Experience strategy & Investment plans on category & implement, User Experience insights and guidance to deliver Superiority vs competition.
• Lead User Centricity program and develop a strong partnership with Strategy & Insights
• Lead and develop the team, and capabilities on specific SN capabilities and expertise : early taste development and imprinting, healthy eating habits drivers.

KEY METRICS (Mission critical performance indicators):

• Enable intentional growth of ELN category
• Enable intentional growth Spec Peads
• Deliver superiority KPIs
• Aptamil: Superior Product Experience as key enabler for Brand of First Choice  Leadership

 Win Where we Are: Superiority in our core 

Expertise/Experience 

• Master sensory and consumer competencies to innovate and adapt to SN specificities.
• Strong collaborative and partnering mindset & Business savviness
• Forward and strategic thinker to influence user centric design.
• Master or PhD in Sensory and consumer research.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in User Experience or related field within the SN Category

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