Open Innovation & Interconnectivity Manager (EU)

 

Main characteristics

Location

Ashford, Kent

Company

Recruitment Solutions (Folkestone) Ltd

Employment type

Permanent

Category

Manufacturing / Surveying

Job summary

An incredible senior opportunity to join a global FMCG manufacturing organization in the in the position of Open Innovation & Interconnectivity Manager (EU).

The role is placed within the Research & Development Department, reports to a Senior Director and is REMOTE based (with the necessity to travel to Kent based office 4 days per month).

We are seeking a dynamic Open Innovation Expert serving their Global Innovation R&D Strategy. This individual will play a pivotal role in the EU innovation ecosystem connecting with a vast network of external innovation sources, including suppliers, contract manufacturers, start-ups, individual inventors, innovation houses, and other key players. Primary objective will be to unearth transformational, value-creating innovations and turn-key solutions to bolster their organisations agility and competitive edge.

Education and Prior Work Experience Required:

Bachelors/Masters degree in Chemical Engineering/Chemistry/Life Sciences with 10+ years of FMCG industry experience. Advanced degrees, Ph.D. or MBA preferred.

Extensive experience in R&D management, preferably in the FMCG sector.

Proven track record in Open Innovation, with a strong network in the European innovation ecosystem.

Ability to navigate and collaborate with external commercial partners, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate and integrate external innovations seamlessly.

Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills. Proficient in IP management.

Exceptional communication skills, with proficiency in multiple European languages being a plus.

Willingness to travel as needed to engage with innovation partners and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

External Collaboration: Cultivate and maintain relationships with external partners, including suppliers, contract manufacturers, innovation houses, start-ups, and individual inventors in the EU region.

Innovation Scouting: Proactively identify, evaluate, and integrate breakthrough innovations from external sources in EU that align with the companys strategic objectives at the global level.

Turn-Key Solution Development: Partner with R&D and cross-functional teams to develop and implement turn-key solutions that drive product and process innovation.

Open Innovation Strategy: Modernize existing OI practices and introduce new OI best practices across all R&D and business functions.

Portfolio Management: Own and manage the portfolio of OI initiatives, ensuring alignment with the company's broader R&D and strategic goals.

Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Quality, GMS, Procurement, Packaging, Product Development and Legal, to streamline the innovation process.

Partnership Management: Actively manage several high impact partnerships in line with our Global R&D Strategy.

Program Management: Ensure that the Open Innovation program is implemented in the EU region and ecosystem with consistent principles and best practices.

Reporting: Regularly update the US-based Senior Director of Open Innovation & Interconnectivity on progress, challenges, and opportunities in the European OI landscape.

Salary & Benefits Package:

Very attractive base salary

39 hours per week

£6.5K car allowance

24 days holiday plus you can buy/sell up to 3 days per year

15% Management onus Scheme

9% matched contribution pension scheme

Healthshield (Medical/Health cash back scheme)

Remote based with the necessity to travel to Kent office 4 days per month (not expensed by the company).

If you would like to be considered for this exceptional opportunity within a forward thing king organisation, then please send your current CV, confirming your approximate salary expectations together with a paragraph outlining why you feel you are best suited to this opportunity.

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