Innovation Lead | Plant-based Food | Food Science

Are you passionate about driving forward the food industry with cutting-edge plant-based technologies? Are you an experienced professional eager to lead innovative initiatives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment? If so, we invite you to explore an exciting opportunity with us at the forefront of nutritional innovation in Europe.

We are seeking a visionary Innovation Manager to lead the development and execution of pioneering plant-based food applications and technologies.

This role is ideal for a strategic thinker with a robust scientific background, a knack for product innovation, and a proven track record in leading impactful projects within the plant-based food sector.

About Our Client

They are a leader in the global food industry, and their legacy spans decades of innovation. Now, they are investing in the future with a European R&D and Innovation center focused on plant-based nutritional food concepts, new ingredients, and food biotechnology. Their mission is clear: to deliver tasty, healthy, affordable, sustainable, and personalized food solutions through advanced technologies that meet consumer needs.

Key Responsibilities

Innovation Leadership

• Lead the ideation, development, and commercialization of novel plant-based food applications
• Identify and integrate emerging food tech and biotechnology trends into product pipelines
• Cultivate an innovation culture across multidisciplinary teams.

Strategic Development

• Co-design and execute long-term innovation strategies aligned with business goals, focusing on innovative functional ingredients and protein transition
• Foster external partnerships with startups, academic institutions, and research hubs
• Translate market intelligence into actionable innovation roadmaps

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with R&D, marketing, operations, and commercial teams to bring concepts to market
• Align innovation activities with consumer insights and market demands
• Promote a collaborative, agile working environment across functions.

Project Execution & Impact Monitoring

• Oversee key innovation projects from concept to scale-up
• Define and monitor key innovation KPIs for success and market relevance
• Provide strategic updates to leadership and contribute to business growth plans.

Who You Are

• An expert with 7+ years in plant-based food innovation, food science, or food biotechnology
• Able to work onsite in Wageningen for at least 80%.
• Proven track record in product development from ideation to launch
• Strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the global plant-based food ecosystem and protein transition
• Experienced leader thriving in dynamic, cross-functional teams
• Fluent in English (Dutch is a plus)
• Holds a Master’s or Ph.D. in Food Science, Biotechnology, or related field
• Background in strategic consulting or global innovation projects desirable

Why this opportunity?

• Lead impactful projects driving taste, health, and sustainability forward.

• Thrive in an open, entrepreneurial culture valuing impactful ideas.

• Enjoy competitive compensation and performance incentives.

Ready to Make a Lasting Impact?
Apply today and bring your passion for plant-based innovation to a global stage or contact me at izumi@adamsrecruitment.com

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