Research and Innovation Manager (Melbourne)

Short Intro and About the Job We have an exciting opportunity for a Research & Innovation Manager to join Danone in a key 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. 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. In this role, you will (but not limited to):
- 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 About You You are a strategic, people focused R&I; leader who combines strong technical expertise with commercial acumen to turn innovation into impactful business outcomes. You thrive in complex environments, bringing clarity, structure and pace to end‑to‑end delivery, from ideation through to trials and launch. Confident influencing senior stakeholders, you build high performing teams, strengthen technical capabilities and leverage cross functional and external partnerships to unlock future fit innovation. To be successful, you will bring:
- Tertiary qualification in Food Technology, Science, Engineering or a related discipline
- Solid 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
- 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
- Health and Life insurance benefit
- 26 weeks of gender‑neutral paid parental leave
- Employee Share Subscription Plan after 12 months of service
- Performance‑related incentives and annual reviews Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) We proudly affirm that we are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, and our ambition is to foster an INCLUSIVE & 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/3rtkhu