Head of New Product Development - Europe

Job Description:

We are looking for a curious, forward-thinking leader with a strong passion for innovation within the food and beverage industry. This is a strategic leadership opportunity for someone who thrives in complex international environments and enjoys transforming ambitious ideas into successful products and business growth. The ideal candidate is an inspiring people leader who excels at developing teams, building high-performance cultures, and driving innovation across multiple markets and functions.

Mission of the role:
As Head of New Product Development (NPD), you will define and lead the New Product Development strategy across Europe. You will oversee multiple NPD teams operating across several international markets, ensuring the successful delivery of innovation initiatives, sustainability goals, and operational excellence across the portfolio. Based at the company’s European R&D Technical Centre in Spain, this role combines strategic leadership with close collaboration across international teams and business functions. You will work closely with Marketing, Consumer Insights, Supply Chain, Quality, Procurement, and global R&D stakeholders to deliver breakthrough beverage innovations and strengthen the organization’s R&D capabilities.

About the project:
- A senior leadership role with significant impact on business growth and strategic direction.
- Responsibility for leading and developing an international R&D organization.
- Exposure to international markets and cross-functional collaboration.
- The opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven business with a long-term vision and strong innovation focus.
- A dynamic working environment within a highly collaborative international structure.

Responsibilities:

- Lead the execution of the innovation and new product development strategy across multiple European markets.
- Drive innovation initiatives focused on core brand development, brand evolution, and category expansion.
- Identify and develop new opportunities, technologies, and product concepts aligned with business objectives.
- Ensure excellence in project execution while maintaining the highest quality and compliance standards.
- Lead, inspire, and develop multidisciplinary and multi-location teams, fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture.
- Build strong partnerships with internal stakeholders across commercial, operational, and technical functions.
- Promote continuous improvement initiatives across R&D processes and ways of working.
- Contribute to the long-term growth and sustainability strategy of the business.

Requirements:

- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Agricultural Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Extensive experience in New Product Development within the food and beverage industry.
- Strong expertise in formulation science, ingredients, and industrial manufacturing processes.
- Proven track record managing complex NPD projects and leading large multidisciplinary teams across multiple locations.
- Strong leadership capabilities with experience developing senior talent and high-performing teams.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
- Strategic mindset with a strong focus on innovation, continuous improvement, and business results.
- Fluent English required; French and/or Spanish would be considered an advantage.

Company Description:

Leading multinational company in the Food & Drinks sector

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