Head of (m/f/d) Innovation Management

Are you interested in high-quality, natural, and tasty nutrition?

We are! It’s our ambition to shape the future of nutrition.

Döhler is a leading global producer of natural ingredients and solutions for the food, beverage, lifestyle and nutrition industries. We use innovative technology to process plant-based raw materials and enrich products such as lifestyle drinks, cereals, dairy, and confectionery goods for almost every well-known brand. Close to 10.000 dedicated employees in more than 70 countries share one common goal – to ensure that millions of people around the world enjoy the products created by us.

We strive to inspire and empower our employees in everything we do, and we invite you to join our team – together WE BRING IDEAS TO LIFE.

Your Role

As Head of Innovation Management , you will drive Döhler’s global innovation strategy and program, create new business potential at the intersection of market trends, technologies, and customer needs.

• You are responsible for managing the global innovation pipeline.
• You foster an innovation culture within Doehler group through cross-functional, cross-border collaboration and communication within Doehler and with external partners.
• You analyze technological trends and technologies via Open innovation channels and collaborations to identify innovation opportunities to enhance innovation pipeline
• You systematically develop new product and service ideas in close collaboration with R&D, Marketing, Sales, and the Business Units.
• You manage Döhler innovation eco-system by strategic innovation partnerships with startups, universities and key customers.
• You establish and continuously evolve agile and digital innovation methods and technics (e.g., Design Thinking, Lean Start-up, Open Innovation).
• You present innovation concepts and outcomes to senior leadership and represent the innovation function across Döhler’s global network.
• You oversee innovation controlling and the reporting of key KPIs to measure innovation performance.

Your Profile

• You are an experienced R&D leader with a strong innovation mindset and entrepreneurial thinking.
• You hold a degree in Food Technology, Industrial Engineering, Innovation Management, or a related field.
• You have at least 10 years of professional experience in innovation management, product development, or business development – ideally within the food or beverage industry.
• Proven track record of launching successful, revenue-generating products and successful external collaborations with revenue growth
• You bring in-depth knowledge of innovation processes, strategic project management, and cross-functional leadership.
• Strong business acumen: comfortable building financial models and presenting to senior executives
• You are creative, persuasive, and a strong communicator who inspires and motivates teams.
• You are fluent in English, German as a plus.
• You are proficient in digital innovation tools, trend analysis platforms, and project steering systems.
• You are open to travel and enjoy interacting with customers and innovation partners

Your Benefits

• Culture: Friendly and informal atmosphere, family-owned company, flat hierarchies, short communicationchannels, and helpful colleagues
• Impact: You are an integral part of our business success and make an important contribution to the future ofnutrition
• Empowerment: You can fully unleash your potential and have the opportunity to take on responsibilities
• Digitalization: We maintain excellent partnerships with market-leading innovators, allowing you to accessand work with state-of-the-art technologies
• Anniversary and special payments
• Employee referral bonuses
• Additional benefits: Christmas parties, events, financial benefits, and online shop discounts (e.g., IT leasing,mobile phone contracts, shopping, and travel discounts, etc.)
• öhler: Onboarding event for all new colleagues, as well as several weeks of individual training
• Döhler Academy: You have the opportunity to continuously develop your education further through internaland external training programs
• Food is taken care of: On-site cafeteria with regional and varied cuisine and complimentary drinks
• Stay fit: Take advantage of local sports offerings at reduced prices
• Mobility: Subsidized Germany ticket or JobRad
• Insurance benefits such as company pension plans and accident insurance
• Global growth trajectory: Challenging and internationally oriented work at our headquarters in Darmstadt
• Attractive location in Darmstadt: Easily accessible by train, bus, on foot, or by car (free parking)

Equal opportunities for all

We welcome applicants, who are just as diverse as we are – regardless of age, ancestry, disability, ethnic origin,gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, social background or any other characteristic protected byapplicable laws, regulations and ordinances.

Become a part of our team and apply online trough our career portal. Please note that we are unable toconsider or return application documents sent by mail.

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