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Research & Innovation

Explo Lead

  • Netherlands
  • Utrecht
  • Hybrid
  • Permanent Full-Time
  • Posted: 10 Dec 2025
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Explo Lead

About the job

The Explo Lead is responsible for bringing the explo agenda to life for the Early Life Nutrition (ELN) category. The person will play a pivotal role coordinating and driving the R&I needs with cross functional partners to deliver the expand where were should be and seed the future agenda. The person will also be accountable to drive the decarbonisation agenda and expertise for the category.  

 

This position is a critical position for the SN growth. 

In this position you will be reporting into the ELN Explo Director and you will have the following accountabilities and responsibilities: 

 

  • Co-lead with Governance & Portfolio team transformation of R&I exploration process: establish a robust process, deliverables and governance instances to drive flawless execution. 

  • R&I lead for the P4G program with C&P: ensure Category R&I solution requirements are translated into P4G briefs. Drive progress of P4G approved briefs and ensure systematic reporting to R&I explo governances.  

  • Act as ELN R&I Category coordinator for Adv techno and MNS led programs, drive effective structure to ensure, strategic alignment with business priorities and delivery of key milestones. 

  • Champion sustainability and decarbonisation for the category, driving the category decarbonisation roadmap.  

  • Build culture and step up on IP generation and execution in projects 

  • Strategise the incorporation of trendscape and foresights into the category explo program. 

  • Co-build the explo strategy and pipeline for ELN category and zones 

  • Work closely with the Exploration team on new benefits and new product features. 

  • Play critical connecting role with Countries where ELN innovations are deployed and/or produced 

  • Inspire and drive mindset shift towards holistic design for superiority. 

 

About you

Your profile: 

You are a dedicated professional with a passion for driving Innovation, developing new ideas into commercial products, and new ways of thinking to serve the business and inspire teams towards excellence.  

Your expertise: 

  • PhD / Master’s degree in Food Technology/Food Science./Life science 

  • At least 8 years of experience in Product Design and Development, preferably in SN AND in FMCG​. 

  • Strong Technical background in SN engines and know-how​. 

  • FMGC expertise in translating consumers’ needs into products​. 

  • Business Acumen​. 

  • Excellence in Execution. 

  • ​Stakeholder Management/Influence & Engagement.​ 

  • Strategic thinking​. 

  • Management and Team Leadership skills. ​ 

  • Ability to attract, develop and retain talent. 

 

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About Danone

Working at Danone is a unique experience. It’s fast-paced and complex, and at times, it can be challenging. But it’s packed with opportunities to learn and grow, working with some of the best-known brands in the world, like Evian, Alpro, Nutricia, Activia, and Nutrilon. Bring your unique perspective, ambitions, and entrepreneurial ideas to the table – the impact you could make might just surprise you. One Planet. One Health – BY YOU.

 

We’re proud to be a B-Corp certified company. That means we meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability in everything we do. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we base our hiring decisions on merit, job requirements, and business needs.

 

What’s Next?
Are you the person we are looking for? Hit the “apply now” button. To comply with GDPR regulations, we cannot process your personal data without given consent. Therefore, we strongly recommend applying directly via our career website.

 

Need more information? Please contact Robin Hiariej, Talent Manager via robin.hiariej@danone.com.

 

All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
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Application procedure

  • Resume and Cover letter
  • Interview #1
  • Interview #2
  • Welcome
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