Research & Innovation Portfolio & Governance Director, FMCG Categories – (H/F)

The R&I Categories FMCG Department’s mission is to :

• Co-build categories strategy
• Co-develop category R&I roadmap with Advanced Tech, MNS & UX
• Lead global R&I category projects and coordinate roll-out with Zones/CBUs teams
• Own the category toolbox and category product standards including DIJ and nutritional standards
• Co-create category IP strategy with MNS & Advanced Techno team
• Drive category simplification by effective partnering with category lead and R&I zones
• Co-own the portfolio strategy with category heads
• Drive people excellence by building skills and competencies on the category in partnership with zones R&I

We are seeking a Portfolio & Governance Director to join our R&I Categories FMCG team. This pivotal role involves defining the operating model for our newly formed R&D team and establishing effective ways of working and governance practices with both Fundamental R&I teams and Regional R&I teams. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in organizational transformation and operating models, equipped to drive strategic alignment and operational excellence across our global R&I initiatives.

This role is based in our Global Research & Innovation Center, Saclay south Paris. 

Your main responsibilities will focus on:

1. Development of the new governance and operating model:

• Develop and implement an effective governance structure to improve global project management and decision-making between the R&I Categories team and the Advanced and Regional R&I teams.
• Lead the design and implementation of the operating model for the new R&I Categories FMCG organization, aligning structure, processes and resources with strategic objectives.
• Ensure clear structures of roles, responsibilities and accountability across all R&I functions.
• Lead change management initiatives associated with new operational practices, ensuring smooth transitions and high levels of engagement among all stakeholders.
• Monitor the impact of organizational changes and continuously iterate on the operating model to adapt to evolving business needs.

1. Portfolio management and innovation processes, and Optimization of working methods:

• Oversee the R&I Categories project portfolio, aligning projects with strategic objectives and optimizing resource allocation.
• Drive the innovation process and support the preparation and facilitation of high-level meetings, such as Global Innovation Meetings (GIM, DIM) and quarterly project reviews, ensuring that strategic objectives are clearly communicated and adhered to.
• Define and standardize ways of working to improve efficiency, collaboration, and outcomes.
• Introduce best practices and tools for project management, communication, and reporting to streamline processes and improve transparency.

1. Global Communities of Practice Facilitation:

• Facilitate global communities of practice with leaders in the R&I Categories Platforms, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing between the R&I Regions and Core R&I teams.
• Act as a key liaison between the different functional areas of the organization to foster a collaborative innovation environment.

1. Strategic Leadership :

• Collaborate with senior management to refine R&I strategies and ensure that the operating model supports sustainable growth and innovation.
• Provide strategic support to senior management, including preparing reports and presentations outlining key findings, progress and strategic recommendations.
• Ensure consistent standards of communication and reporting are maintained across all projects and teams.
• Support the preparation of the budget and the annual operational plan

ABOUT YOU:

The criteria below remain indicative. A candidate who has a different combination of experience and skills could also be considered.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Management, Organizational Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a senior role focusing on organizational transformation, operating models, and governance within an R&D or similar technical environment. (e.g. Consultant, Strategy Director, Portfolio Director)
• Experience in the FMCG or Pharma industry, biotechnology, food technology.
• Advanced certifications in project management or organizational development (e.g., PMP, Prosci).
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing operating models and governance structures.
• Visionary leader with a strategic mindset and the ability to see the big picture.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal and facilitation skills to navigate complex organizational landscapes.
• Familiarity with R&D processes and innovation
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing operating models and governance structures.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing cross-functional and multicultural teams.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.Proven experience in managing large and complex project portfolios with a strategic and analytical approach.
• Excellent organizational, communication and presentation skills.
• Highly collaborative with the ability to work effectively with multiple teams and cultures.
• Innovative and proactive in problem solving and solution implementation.Fluent English is mandatory and will be essential to communicate with global teams.

Our employer commitments: 

• The guarantee of a relevant, competitive and scalable compensation package, through external benchmark and internal equity. It consists among other things of a fixed salary, an yearly bonus, gain sharing, and a Danone share.
• Flexibility of working from your home a maximum of 8-9 days per month.
• Skills development for all, thanks to our Danone Academy France and through a year-round managerial conversation cycle.
• The possibility to use up to 3 days a year of volunteering through the platform Vendredi.
• Parenting policy benefits, such as extended Parental Leave (14 additional maternity/paternity days covered), or the ability to convert some earnings into time off
• Other benefits include a complementary pension scheme, health care plan, CSE, a company car benefit.

We are proud to promote diversity and equal opportunity within our teams. We believe that our differences will make a difference, and that an inclusive work environment will drive our growth as a company, as a team, and as individuals. We will therefore consider all applications* by fostering an inclusive work culture where everyone can feel at home. 

We have also chosen to remove inclusive writing from our job offers because its complexity penalizes people with cognitive disabilities, including dyslexia, dysphasia, or apraxia.

• All nominations will be considered regardless of origin, background, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability…

One Planet, One Health – BY YOU! 

Our four core values “HOPE”: HUMANISM, OPENNESS, CLOSENESS and ENTHUSIASM serve as our compass. 

Every day, you will make decisions that impact our economic and societal performance, as well as our ability to achieve our ambitions. 

At Danone, you can just be yourself. We are convinced that it is up to YOU to define how you work, develop and progress. 

With us, you will work in a challenging, authentic, and caring environment. 

Want to know more about the daily life of our danoners? Check out our LinkedIn page and our @DanoneTalentFrance Instagram account. 

You want to take action to bring health through food to as many people as possible? Join us!

#LI-FR (for external – to be in white so it doesn’t show in the ad)

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