Danone - Manager - R&D

Context, Stakes, Direction mission

Danone Dairy India began its operations in November 2009. Danone Dairy's startegy in India is to develop relevant product offers for sizable consumer segments in India.

GDFL in Bangladesh is a social business company that was established in 2007.

The company objectives are to bring health through nutrition to the maximum number of kids while having a social impact on local population by generating income for poor population (farmers, ladies, plant) Since 2009, the products are sold all over Bangladesh. The current range is Bangladesh consists of FDP - cup & LSL (Long shelf life) pouch product. This is a mass market product for both urban and rural Bangladesh

Positions mission:

- The jobholder is responsible for formulation development activities, Cost Innovation programme; closely liaise with business functions of Marketing and Industrial to deliver business objectives

- Develop deep proximity with consumers and get clear understanding of needs and habits

- Develop technology competencies necessary to maintain a healthy pipeline of product

- Optimize and scale up manufacturing operations for new products to support the growth

- Create a Centre of Excellence for Innovation

Key responsibilities and accountabilities:

- Build the development strategy and programme portfolio by collaborating with appropriate Marketing and other functions on ideation, developing project briefs, towards building the project portfolio for achieving business growth targets of India and Bangladesh

- Ensure formulation related activities are planned & implemented on the allocated projects within the defined timelines & resources

- Lead claims and regulatory aspects for projects by closely engaging with internal functions / teams

- Work with Industrial on the smooth execution of new products

- Support in the smooth functioning of the local R&D centre

- Manage relationship with R&D Consultants, suppliers etc

- Share learning and best practices with Danone R&D network

Performance criteria:

- New Product Development

- Project Delivery - timing, cost and quality of work

- Effectively support in R&D Centre functioning and operations

- Networking with internal and external business customers

Professional experience & functional competencies:

- Master of Food Science / Dairy Science / Technology

- 4-6 years experience in food company with no less than 4 years in R&D (experience in Quality and processing is a plus)

- Strong product development skills

Managerial and personal Competencies:

- Strong managerial maturity

- Ability to work in cross functional team is a must

- Innovative

- Strategic + hands on

- Open

- Natural leadership

Key elements that could motivate a candidate:

- Multi country exposure

- Multinational company with a unique culture

- Job creation in a growing business

- Opportunity to be an International product development expert for Danone