About the Job
We have an exciting opportunity for a Research & Innovation Manager to join Danone in a senior leadership role, shaping the future of our innovation agenda. This is a high‐impact position with real influence over portfolio, strategy, and business performance across ANZ. This 14‐month parental leave cover is a critical leadership assignment, accountable for driving priorities, leading the innovation strategy, and delivering tangible outcomes during an important phase for the business. You will report to the R&I Director ANZ and serve as a member of the ANZ R&I leadership team. You will contribute to strategic decision‐making at the senior level and oversee R&I product, packaging and productivity initiatives throughout the portfolio.
Responsibilities
* Define and lead the ANZ innovation strategy, aligning with business priorities, brand strategies and portfolio roadmaps
* Lead and develop a multidisciplinary R&I team across Melbourne and Kiewa, spanning product, packaging, productivity and UX
* Lead end‐to‐end delivery of innovation, renovation and productivity programmes, balancing speed, quality, cost and risk
* Partner closely with Marketing, Operations, Sales, Procurement and Supply Chain to influence decisions and deliver growth
* Drive R&I programmes from ideation to launch, including prototyping, formulation, process and packaging development, industrial trials, shelf‐life validation and specifications
* Provide senior technical leadership across regulatory compliance, claims, food safety, quality and IP
* Build external partnerships with suppliers to unlock new technologies and innovation opportunities
* Strengthen the capabilities required to move innovation from concept to reality
* Collaborate with global R&I teams to shape innovation priorities and contribute to science‐led initiatives
Qualifications
* Tertiary qualification in Food Technology, Science, Engineering or a related discipline
* Strong FMCG experience, ideally within Dairy (Yoghurt preferred)
* Demonstrated people leadership experience, including developing and leading multidisciplinary teams
* Experience across product, process and packaging development
* Proven ability to translate business strategy into innovation direction and delivery
* Solid understanding of regulatory, claims, food safety and quality frameworks
* Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with confidence operating at senior levels
* Strong prioritisation, decision‐making and delivery capability in fast‐paced environments
Benefits
* A high‐performing, collaborative team culture
* Flexible hybrid working
* Thank Danone it's Friday! 3pm finishes every Friday
* Diverse and inclusive work environment
* Personalised learning opportunities to set you up for success
* Competitive Total Reward package including
o Health and Life insurance benefit
o 26 weeks of gender‐neutral paid parental leave
o Employee Share Subscription Plan after 12 months of service
o Performance‐related incentives and annual reviews
Equal Employment Opportunity
We proudly affirm that we are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, and our ambition is to foster an inclusive and diverse workplace where all Danoners can bring their uniqueness to contribute to business results. Our commitment to DEI ensures that all qualified individuals receive fair consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin and disability at our company.
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