Senior R&I Liquid Capacity Program Manager (Contract Role to 31st Dec 2029)

DanoneSpecialized Nutrition Research&Innovation(SN R&I) divisionis recruiting a Senior Liquid Capacity Program Manager to join the team as an end to end program lead for the start up of new greenfield lines representing product, process, package and specification R&I functions.

This role is critical todriveconsistency andsuccessfulexecutionacross multiplelarge scaleR&I initiatives. Byconsolidatingproject leadership under one accountable role, we aim to unlockefficiencies, share best practices, proactively manage risks, and ensure R&I commitments are deliveredon time, in full, and on cost. The role is100% dedicated tounlocking new Specialized Nutrition capacityandbuilding strongfoundationsto enable the success of this program, insulating the team from competing priorities and enabling focused, highimpact execution.

Please note this is a fixed term contract position until the end of 2029.

Key Responsibilities:

Forthis pivotal role, you willbe responsible for:

• Single point of contact for all R&I project activitiesmanagingstakeholder alignment,maintainingdashboards tracking progress, risks, milestones,andresourceutilization

• Translatestrategyinto robust, executable project planswith cleartimelines and deliverables

• R&I matrix leaderfostering a healthy, motivated, and high performance environmentworking with direct line managers to define clear roles, responsibilities, and annualobjectivesaligned with project milestones

• Anticipate conflicts and synergies between projects and act early to resolve them

• Balance

• speed, quality, and robustness in decision making under uncertainty

• Actively manage and escalat risk, decisions, and support needs whenrequired

• Represent R&I in governance forums, includingSteerCo, ensuring transparent communication

• Ensure delivery of all R&Iobjectiveswhile managing complexity, dependencies, and risks

About You:

• A B.A. or MSc degree in chemical Engineering, Bio-Chemical Engineering, Food Technology, Food Science

• 10 years + significant experience in R&I technical project or program management within FMCG, Food, Pharma or Manufacturing environments.

• Proven track record managing complex, multi-year, cross functional projects, deploying projects in operations.

• Experience operating in a matrix organization and representing R&I interests in senior governance forums in fast paced, high stakes environments.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills at all organizational levels.

• Ability to develop strategy into structured execution plans.

• A Leader who creates clarity, alignment, and engagement while remaining resilient and calm under pressure

• Strong understanding of Quality & Food safety non negotiables for this category

• Master levels understanding of qualification and validation process requirements

• Proven R&I project management track record preferably with PMP or equivalent certification

• Experience starting up aseptic processing and packaging lines

• Willingness to travel up to 25% to Hoofddop & Utrecht, Netherlands

• Operations and / or quality role experience in liquid medical products an advantage

Danone is a large, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company with market leading brands across four divisions: Essential Dairy and Plant Based Products, Waters, Specialised Nutrition and Medical Nutrition. Specialised Nutrition offers nutritional solutions with the shared goal of improving the health and well-being of vulnerable individuals, from the first day of pregnancy into old age. We are looking for high calibre, dedicated and experienced personnel to complement our existing workforce.

At Danone we are passionate in our commitment to sustainability with the belief in building a healthier future through food. Our eating and drinking choices have an impact on our own health, the health of our society and the health of our planet.

Ensuring an inclusive working culture that is accessible to all is important to us. Danone Infant Nutrition Macroom is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Please note, owing to the high volume of applications we receive, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.