1. Contribute and drive the high level execution of robust innovation strategy & superior portfolio for DJ (incl 3PM’s) incorporating all DJ strategic plans, consumer insights (consumer at the heart – always) and supported by credible science.
2. Innovation portfolio management encompasses the design to delivery of new product development (including superior, differentiating, credible claims) in all categories produced for DJ.
3. Create and Manage DJ R&I productivity and secure projects pipelines and portfolio
4. Manage and enrich/develop a sustainable product development teams’ capabilities to meet DJ priorities & needs (Short and long term focus)

Portfolio Management

• Maintain and manage overview of the DJ product & project portfolio
• Chair the Local Innovation Meeting (LIM) including acting as iProView Portfolio manager to move projects through the innovation gates (in conjunction with CBU IPRO Project Lead)
• As part of the LIM meeting, help to lead and steer the business strategy in both current markets and new areas
• Manage R&I productivity and secure project portfolio for DJ
• Prioritize and implement Product Development work in conjunction with internal stakeholders to meet business & consumer needs with available resources while internal quality of delivery requirements is met

Product Development Projects

Responsible for design to delivery of PD contribution to DJ innovation, renovation, productivity and secure projects ensuring compliance and first time right including:

• Ensure deadlines as agreed are met, tasks are completed accurately (FTR), compliant/credible, within budget and all results properly documented
• Ensure products meet all Danone Nutritional and Sustainability requirements (One Planet One Health)
• Optimize cost while ensuring superiority & consumer value
• Optimize process design – working with QFS and Operations to ensure optimized process design to deliver desired quality, cost and minimize waste
• Ensure appropriate internal Danone process & governance (eg., InnoPro, F4G) is followed
• Manage Product Development budget

Project Management Excellence

• Be the single point of contact and respected expert on process excellence linked to the Innovation and F4G/PSQC portfolio
• Work in close collaboration with Operations, IRO, Marketing, SIA, RA, C&P, R&I (local, zone & global) and all other functions where project managers may originate from to drive their accountability on delivering against established project management success criteria

Strategic Planning

• Responsible to define and implement Innovation & PSQC strategic plans aligned with DJ strategic plans and priorities (short and long term)
• Be a thinking partner and contribute to the design of DJ Innovation & PSQC strategy

Product Development Capability

• Drive continuous improvement in product development capabilities including design, laboratory and pilot facilities (internal and external), IP portfolio management, UX and sensory capabilities, adaptation of one planet one health principles, and outside in

Problem Resolution

• Assist as required with technical problems including: design, compliance, user experience, scale up, roll out, etc.

Team Development

• Coach, motivate and engage team in PD and R&I contribution to the business.
• Ensure all tasks in the Danone HR people management environment are completed on time (OKR, TDP, IDP, PDR, Share, etc.)
• Provide challenging tasks to team members to trigger their personal development in line with established TDPs, while managing impact on business delivery
• Succession plan for Team is in place

Communication

• Is the single point of contact for DJ innovation and F4G/PSQC (R&I contribution) portfolio and pipeline
• Manages communication to internal and external stakeholders on technical and resources conversations for Innovation & Product Development topics.
• Participate in project meetings
• Strong business acumen
• Strong communication and influencing / leadership skills
• Business thinking partner

Vision, Strategy and Influence

• Identify & share opportunities for innovations and productivity that create and add value to the business.
• Influence and educate cross functional stakeholders including Marketing, SIA, Operations, C&P, Regulatory Affairs and Local, Zone & Global R&I Teams.
• Working with Marketing, SIA and Local, Zone & Global R&I teams to develop superior, differentiated and credible engine/science/benefit/claim platform roadmap

Risk Management and Decision Making

• Highlight and manage risk for business and projects to ensure objectives are met.
• Provide issue and incident management recommendations and support to the incident team as required.
• Risk map & management to be included in all PD projects

OSH & Environmental Policies

• Review and maintain R&I compliance with all relevant OSH (Occupational Safety & Health) & environmental standards and procedures.

Education

• Degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Life Science, Human Nutrition, or related field
• Master’s degree (MSc) or higher preferred

Experience

• 10+ years of product development experience within FMCG
• Proven experience in R&D leadership, including team management (5+ members)
• Experience working in a matrix and cross-functional environment
• Track record of delivering innovation through multidisciplinary collaboration

Technical & Functional Skills and Experience

• Strong knowledge of FMCG categories (dairy preferred; yoghurt experience a plus; food, beverages, or pet categories also relevant)
• Deep understanding of end-to-end product development and innovation processes (design-to-delivery)
• Experience applying consumer insights, research, and UX principles in product development
• Solid understanding of commercialization and product lifecycle management

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities
• Effective communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to collaborate across functions and influence stakeholders
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
• High level of accountability and reliability
• Professional integrity and ethical standards

Dedicated to bringing health through food to as many people as possible, Danone is a leading global food & beverage company built on three businesses: Essential Dairy and Plant-Based Products, Waters and Specialized Nutrition.

At Danone, we aim to inspire healthier and more sustainable eating and drinking practices, in line with our vision - Danone, One Planet. One Health - which reflects a strong belief that the health of people and the health of the planet are interconnected. We deliberately concentrate on high-growth and health-focused categories, and commit to operating in an efficient, sustainable and responsible manner.

For passionate people looking for autonomy and exciting career opportunities, Danone truly has something special inside.

Check out the link below to find out more about Danone in Japan.

http://www.danone.co.jp/

Danone Japan is a certified B Corporation and is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Marital Status / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity

Danone Japan doesn’t just welcome what makes you unique, we value it. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All hires to our team are based on qualifications, merit and business needs. We recruit, employ, train and promote regardless of race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic characteristic or any other protected status. Faithful to our values of openness and humanism, all our employees share in the commitment to engage one another with dignity and respect.