International IRO & Pack Projects Manager

As International IRO (Innovation Realisation Office) & Packaging Projects Manager, you are part of our NPD/Pack Project Management team, that is in charge of driving and launching new product developments and innovations from start (product development) to end (launch in market) and implementing/coordinating big pack design changing projects.

You manage the project flow throughout our different departments (R&I, Supply Chain, Quality, Planning, Packaging, Finance, Marketing), and lead the cross-functional teams to enable the launch of innovations in the local markets, and in doing so- achieve the innovation/renovation targets.

In this role, based at Alpro Headquarters in Ghent, you are part of the Plant-based Global Brands Marketing IRO & Artwork team, and report directly to the a Senior IRO Manager.

This is a 1 year contract assignment.

Key Responsibilities

Project Initiation and Implementation

• You initiate and lead international strategic branded innovation/pack design and product life cycle management projects (with a focus on line extension and upgrades) across all channels and countries. Doing so, you achieve the project deliverables within the defined timings and budgets and conform to the strategy.
• You define the scope, budget, timing and internal business parameters.
• You lead with minimal supervision, and are accountable for, as one process, the planning, evaluation and implementation of several innovation, renovation & packaging projects.
• You develop critical path timelines and risk/contingency options.
• You ensure project timelines include cross-functional input and decision points.
• You ensure that project activities/timelines for multi-faceted projects are integrated.
• You manage and coach the cross-functional teams in order to drive the project implementation and to achieve the project deliverables within the defined timings and budgets, conform to the strategy.
• You manage project financial risk and contingency planning (COG’s, CAPEX, etc.)
• You conduct or facilitate root cause investigations when project or process deviations occur, and identifies resolutions or corrective actions.
• Ideally you have some experience in team leadership/facilitation, decision-making, process management, analytical skills, negotiating and conflict-management skills, risk management, and written and oral communication.
• You follow up the budgets and reporting during the project milestones in order to support the business when taking decisions (Alpro EU D2D).

Project Communication

• You manage project communication to business teams across the organization.
• You asses and facilitate critical project decisions with business teams and/or sr. management to ensure project priorities are optimized.
• You prepare divisional NPD toolkits Essentials (samples, logistics info, nutritional profile,…), and drive all communication intended to the different stakeholders (Marketing, CBU’s, Management, etc.).
• You act as single point of contact in case of issues and crisis (e.g. consumer claims as consequence of upgrades or innovations…).

About You

• You hold a Master Degree in e.g. Marketing, Economics, Business Administration or equivalent through experience.
• You are passionate to contribute to Danone’s mission to change how the world eats for the better.
• You have 2-3 years of experience, preferably in a planning, project management role, Marketing and/or R&D within a FMCG environment, or similar through experience.
• It goes without saying that you have strong project management skills and strong communication and influencing (convincing & impacting) skills.
• You are a true team player, think in solutions, flexible and hands-on.
• You are strong in cross-functional thinking and have a wide area of interest.
• You have sound analytical skills & are strong with Excel.
• You have good presentation skills.
• You are fluent in Dutch and English.

About Us

Working here you’ll need to enjoy a fast-pace, complexity and it can get a little challenging. But it’s packed with opportunities. You’ll work with some of the best-known brands in the world, such as Alpro, Evian, Nutricia, Activia and Nutrilon and we absolutely guarantee that you can just be yourself. Be innovative and entrepreneurial and the impact you could make might just amaze you. Join our movement for a healthier world. One Planet One Health BY YOU.

We are proud to be an equal employer. We are convinced our differences make the difference and that an inclusive working environment will drive our growth as a business, as teams and as individuals. We will therefore consider all applicants for employment* fostering an inclusive working culture that is accessible for all.

Did you know that as a B-Corp certified company, Danone Benelux meets the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability?

We offer

By joining us you will become part of one of the leading and most innovative food companies in the world.

We believe that everyone has talent, something which comes natural to you. Your uniqueness is something which brings both excellence as well as energizes you.

What’s Next

Hit the apply button now, your application will be reviewed by our internal recruitment team. If you have question you can reach out to [email protected]!