Are you passionate about driving forward the food industry with cutting-edge plant-based technologies? Are you an experienced professional eager to lead innovative initiatives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment? If so, we invite you to explore an exciting opportunity with us at the forefront of nutritional innovation in Europe.
We are seeking a visionary Innovation Manager to lead the development and execution of pioneering plant-based food applications and technologies.
This role is ideal for a strategic thinker with a robust scientific background, a knack for product innovation, and a proven track record in leading impactful projects within the plant-based food sector.
About Our Client
They are a leader in the global food industry, and their legacy spans decades of innovation. Now, they are investing in the future with a European R&D and Innovation center focused on plant-based nutritional food concepts, new ingredients, and food biotechnology. Their mission is clear: to deliver tasty, healthy, affordable, sustainable, and personalized food solutions through advanced technologies that meet consumer needs.
Key Responsibilities
Innovation Leadership
- Lead the ideation, development, and commercialization of novel plant-based food applications
- Identify and integrate emerging food tech and biotechnology trends into product pipelines
- Cultivate an innovation culture across multidisciplinary teams.
Strategic Development
- Co-design and execute long-term innovation strategies aligned with business goals, focusing on innovative functional ingredients and protein transition
- Foster external partnerships with startups, academic institutions, and research hubs
- Translate market intelligence into actionable innovation roadmaps
Cross-functional Collaboration
- Collaborate closely with R&D, marketing, operations, and commercial teams to bring concepts to market
- Align innovation activities with consumer insights and market demands
- Promote a collaborative, agile working environment across functions.
Project Execution & Impact Monitoring
- Oversee key innovation projects from concept to scale-up
- Define and monitor key innovation KPIs for success and market relevance
- Provide strategic updates to leadership and contribute to business growth plans.
Who You Are
- An expert with 7+ years in plant-based food innovation, food science, or food biotechnology
- Able to work onsite in Wageningen for at least 80%.
- Proven track record in product development from ideation to launch
- Strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the global plant-based food ecosystem and protein transition
- Experienced leader thriving in dynamic, cross-functional teams
- Fluent in English (Dutch is a plus)
- Holds a Master’s or Ph.D. in Food Science, Biotechnology, or related field
- Background in strategic consulting or global innovation projects desirable
Why this opportunity?
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Lead impactful projects driving taste, health, and sustainability forward.
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Thrive in an open, entrepreneurial culture valuing impactful ideas.
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Enjoy competitive compensation and performance incentives.
Ready to Make a Lasting Impact?
Apply today and bring your passion for plant-based innovation to a global stage or contact me at [email protected]