Explo Lead

Description du poste:

About the job

As Innovation Strategy & Exploration Lead, you will operate at the intersection of Research & Innovation, Product Development, Marketing, Sustainability and Business teams. You will combine scientific expertise, strategic foresight and commercial understanding to shape the future of the category and build a robust pipeline of innovation opportunities.

You will lead cross-functional innovation programmes, strengthen innovation governance and processes, champion sustainability initiatives and ensure the category remains at the forefront of scientific and consumer-driven innovation.

A key aspect of the role will be connecting global innovation teams with regional and local markets to ensure new solutions are relevant, deployable and positioned for long-term success.

Key Responsibilities
* Shape and deliver the Early Life Nutrition innovation pipeline by identifying future growth opportunities, emerging technologies, scientific advances and evolving consumer needs.
* Lead cross-functional innovation programmes, bringing together Research & Innovation, Marketing, Sustainability and Business stakeholders to deliver strategic priorities and key milestones.
* Drive innovation excellence by evolving exploration processes, strengthening governance and improving portfolio management to accelerate the transition from ideas to impactful solutions.
* Champion sustainability and decarbonisation initiatives, embedding environmental considerations into innovation strategies and product development roadmaps.
* Leverage consumer, scientific and technology trends to identify future opportunities and inform long-term innovation strategies.
* Act as a critical bridge between global innovation teams and local markets, supporting the successful deployment, scaling and adoption of innovation across geographies.
* Foster a culture of creativity, scientific excellence and intellectual property generation while promoting a holistic, consumer-centric approach to product superiority.

 
With experience in international and matrixed environments, this role calls for someone who is comfortable navigating complexity, influencing across functions and delivering results.
 
Must-Haves
* Master's degree or PhD in Food Science, Food Technology, Life Sciences or a related scientific discipline.
* Significant experience in product innovation, product development, research and innovation or technology development within FMCG, food, nutrition or health-related industries.
* Strong understanding of how to translate consumer needs, market opportunities and scientific insights into successful products and solutions.
* Demonstrated experience leveraging consumer trends, emerging technologies and innovation foresight to shape strategy and business growth.
* Proven track record of leading complex cross-functional programmes and influencing senior stakeholders in matrix organisations.
* Strong strategic thinking, business acumen and execution excellence.
Nice-to-Haves
* Experience within Early Life Nutrition, Medical Nutrition or specialised nutrition categories.
* Knowledge of sustainability, climate strategy or decarbonisation programmes.
* Experience managing innovation portfolios, technology scouting or open innovation initiatives.
* Knowledge of intellectual property generation and innovation protection strategies.
* Experience leading teams, coaching talent and building organisational capability.
Team & Ways of Working

You will be part of the Early Life Nutrition Research & Innovation organisation and report to the Early Life Nutrition Exploration Director.
 
Working in a highly collaborative environment, you will partner with colleagues across Research & Innovation, Product Development, Marketing, Sustainability, Operations and regional business teams. The role requires strong stakeholder engagement, excellent communication skills and the ability to align diverse perspectives around a shared innovation vision." descriptionHeader="

As Innovation Strategy & Exploration Lead, you will operate at the intersection of Research & Innovation, Product Development, Marketing, Sustainability and Business teams. You will combine scientific expertise, strategic foresight and commercial understanding to shape the future of the category and build a robust pipeline of innovation opportunities.
 
You will lead cross-functional innovation programmes, strengthen innovation governance and processes, champion sustainability initiatives and ensure the category remains at the forefront of scientific and consumer-driven innovation.
 
A key aspect of the role will be connecting global innovation teams with regional and local markets to ensure new solutions are relevant, deployable and positioned for long-term success.
 
Key Responsibilities
* Shape and deliver the Early Life Nutrition innovation pipeline by identifying future growth opportunities, emerging technologies, scientific advances and evolving consumer needs.
* Lead cross-functional innovation programmes, bringing together Research & Innovation, Marketing, Sustainability and Business stakeholders to deliver strategic priorities and key milestones.
* Drive innovation excellence by evolving exploration processes, strengthening governance and improving portfolio management to accelerate the transition from ideas to impactful solutions.
* Champion sustainability and decarbonisation initiatives, embedding environmental considerations into innovation strategies and product development roadmaps.
* Leverage consumer, scientific and technology trends to identify future opportunities and inform long-term innovation strategies.
* Act as a critical bridge between global innovation teams and local markets, supporting the successful deployment, scaling and adoption of innovation across geographies.
* Foster a culture of creativity, scientific excellence and intellectual property generation while promoting a holistic, consumer-centric approach to product superiority.

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