The Senior Director, Strategy & Business Development is an experienced leader that plays a critical role in helping define and deliver Danone US’s long-term growth agenda. As part of the US Strategy team, this leader will:

• Shape the US strategy and portfolio direction across categories by engaging colleagues across the US and the globe
• Lead high-impact, cross-functional initiatives with direct exposure to senior leadership
• Translate macro trends, competitive intelligence, and consumer shifts into strategic implications and actions
• Act as a catalyst for enterprise change, embedding new ways of thinking and driving a more externally oriented, forward-looking organization

This leader will report to the VP, Strategy, Business Development & Competitive Intelligence and is a key member of the Strategic Insights, Planning & Connected Commerce team. Come join a team at the center of shaping Danone US’s strategy and growth agenda.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy Development

• Lead development of the portfolio strategy by partnering with stakeholders across the organization and integrating all functional areas to define a US agenda with common priorities
• Work with senior leaders and teams to identify, evaluate, and propose solutions to emerging consumer and industry trends, competitive threats, and internal business performance improvement opportunities
• Lead end-to-end delivery of strategic initiatives (both independent analyses and large, complex efforts) and present findings and recommendations to all levels of management
• Collaborate with cross-functional leaders in the annual planning process to identify growth opportunities and bring the longer-term US business strategy and mindset to life  

Strategic Initiatives

• Drive US Leadership Team decision-making by leading critical initiatives with clear recommendations, disciplined governance, and accountability for execution

Growth & Business Development

• Shape and manage US growth strategy by working with insights and innovation teams to identify both organic and inorganic opportunities and the plans to action against them
• Lead end-to end due diligence of potential acquisitions- including strategy alignment, business model development, stakeholder alignment, transaction documentation and cross-functional leadership

Executive Influence & Decision Support

• Act as thought partner with senior company leaders across all functional areas to influence leaders’ agendas by challenging and debating
• Answer key questions, support data requests, and provide presentation support to the US Leadership team, and other regional and global corporate functions

Required Core Capabilities: 

• Enterprise Strategy & Structured Problem Solving
• External Orientation (market, consumer, competitive dynamics)
• Strong Business Acumen and Strategic Mindset
• Executive Influence & Storytelling
• Cross-Functional Leadership & Program Management
• Business Development / M&A (evaluation through execution)
• Adaptable, Self-Directed & Motivated Doer
• Talent Leadership & Team Development

The salary range for this position is $180,000 – $240,000 USD. The exact salary offered will depend on several factors, including the candidate’s relevant experience, geographic location, internal equity, and market conditions. Danone North America additionally offers a performance-based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options. To give our employees flexibility, Danone is a hybrid work environment.

This role is considered a “hybrid” position that allows for flexible work, meaning it is a role where collaboration with key stakeholders in Danone Hubs occurs. While you may have the option to work from home on a schedule as agreed to with your supervisor, you are also expected to regularly report to your assigned office location at least 3 days per week.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field required; MBA preferred.
• 15+ years of relevant experience in Consulting, Strategy or CPG leadership with increasing responsibility. Top tier strategy consulting firm (or an internal strategy team experience) a plus.
• Demonstrated proficiency with pulling and analyzing syndicated data (Circana, SPINS, Nielsen)
• Demonstrated proficiency in strategic planning, financial model development, M&A and leading large strategic assessments
• Proven track record of progressively increasing leadership responsibilities, including managing and developing high-performing teams, and leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to drive strategic decision-making, foster a collaborative environment, and mentor emerging leaders to achieve organizational goals
• Ability to work in either Danone’s White Plains, NY or Louisville, CO offices (hybrid schedule)

Life at Danone

With approximately 5,000 employees and 13 production locations across the U.S., our vibrant culture and endless growth opportunities are just a couple of the reasons our employees call themselves “Proud Danoners.” 

Learn more about Life at Danone

Our Brands

When you join us, you’ll work with some of the best-known food and beverage brands in the world, including Activia®, DanActive®, Danimals®, Dannon®, evian®, Follow Your Heart®, Happy Family® Organics, International Delight®, Light + Fit®, Nutricia ®, Oikos®, Silk®, So Delicious® Dairy Free, STōK® Cold Brew Coffee ®, Too Good & Co™, and YoCrunch®.

Our Purpose

We’re committed to making a positive impact on our world. Rooted in our mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible, we’re proud to be the world’s largest B Corp.

Learn more about our mission.

Our Benefits

Our commitment to making the world healthier starts with our employees. 

• Physical Wellbeing: We pay for the majority of your medical benefits – which include medical, dental and vision – with our competitive 80%/20% cost-sharing model.
• Mental Wellbeing: Danoners receive fitness discounts, unlimited flexible time off and hybrid work schedules. We also have a range of programs that support mental health and substance abuse.  
• Financial Support: We offer a performance-based bonus, a 401(k) plan, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs and voluntary perks.
• Family Care: We offer caretaker benefits, 18 weeks of parental bonding, fertility, surrogacy, adoption benefits and pet insurance.

Learn more about our benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Danone North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial and/or local law. For our EEO policy statement and your EEO rights under law click here.

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