Hoofddorp / Hybrid

The Global Packaging Innovation and Optimization Manager is a key position of Cycles & Procurement – Packaging & Manufacturing team due to its high impact on business, through project management (innovation) and process streamlining, with a strong drive to make breakthrough changes and support the regions and category buyers in deliveries.

This position is within the central packaging, Capex & Manufacturing procurement organization, with a focus on one side on Packaging innovation breakthrough projects and on the other side on Performance & optimization contributing to x-category projects such as benchmarks on specifications, market innovation scouting.  Impactful programs like SRM, Partner for growth, DTSV are part of the responsibility of the team also.

The innovation team works in close collaboration with other functions such as Central teams of R&I, Quality, Marketing and Operations across Danone’s divisions. An Innovation & Optimization manager (L8) reports to this position.

The ambition of the position is to accelerate cross-category and pack transformation initiatives and to support the category managers and Directors in driving efficiency and foster Innovation.

Key responsibilities are:

1/ Accelerate and deliver break through Packaging Innovation:

• Lead strategic innovation projects for packaging categories, focusing on technologies such as Paper cup, Grouping solutions, Bag-in-Box, and other cutting-edge solutions.
• Co-Lead Packaging Innovation steerco - Governance for packaging team (R&I, C&P & Operations) in regards Innovation management.
• Co-Lead Paper-Based steerco - Governance for packaging team (R&I, C&P & Operations) in regards Paper based Innovation projects
• Lead P4G program for the Pack & Manuf team
• Lead X-category market innovation scouting

2/ Drive cross-categories optimization programs:

• Owner for the team of the Design To Superior Value approach (DTSV) to identify/share benchmark on where focus is needed on pack optimization including the lightweighting program.
• Build Should cost model expertise and tools
• Lead benchmark of cost between different packaging solutions and vs. competition.
• Drive a total pack simplification roadmap within the business (with a D2D mindset).

Education & professional background

• Business school, preferable with a Supply Chain and/or Engineering specialty.
• Minimum 10  years of working experience in a complex global enviropment within packaging categories/innovation projects.
• Strong experience with Packaging and Project Management is essential.

Technical skills, functional competencies, and leadership behaviors

• Excellent stakeholder management skills.
• Recognized professional experience within Packaging and Innovation.
• Proven track record of implementing global strategies and initiatives.
• strong ability to understand key procurement concepts in contract management, agency relationship and performance management.
• collaborative by nature, experienced in forging strategic alliances to support business growth.
• excellent negotiation skills with high emotional intelligence to navigate conflicting views.
• strong analytical, including a good level of financial acumen.
• results driven and action orientated.
• fosters collective impact through teamwork and diversity.
• dares to challenge and drives for transformation.