Associate Director, Innovation Projects

Location: Europe

Hybrid

dsm-firmenich drives the development of disruptive products and technologies with an end-to-end innovation project management approach.

Sustainability is embedded from the outset and throughout every stage of the process – from discovery, pre-clinical and clinical studies through application development to scale-up and industrialization.

By harnessing the expertise of our scientists and investing in our multidisciplinary approach, Science & Research brings progress to life, driving innovation that addresses global challenges and unmet needs in nutrition, health and beauty. We provide industry-leading science and research capabilities to drive the innovation required to deliver on our purpose and to provide differentiated solutions that combine the essential, the desirable, and the sustainable. Innovation and knowledge creation activities are managed in a project framework and the S&R project management team is managing predominantly complex high-risk, high-reward projects for TTH, P&B, HNC and S&R.

DEI Statement

At dsm-firmenich, being a force for good is not optional. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is a shared responsibility woven into our daily work, benefiting to our People, Customers & Communities and driving business value. Equal access to opportunities is a given, belonging is a shared feeling, authenticity is celebrated.

As our Associate Director, Innovation Projects, you will act as the end-to-end owner of all activities in the innovation project, ensuring deliverables defined by the Project Owner are achieved on time, on budget, and according to dsm-firmenich project management standards.

Projects in scope will mainly come from the Exploration Portfolio, and include innovation projects with direct business value creation (aka EBITDA projects) as well as knowledge creation projects, with a strong focus on those aimed at strengthening and expanding our prioritized science domains.

Your main responsibilities include coordinating a large, cross-functional team of experts, and orchestrating the deliverables across the various project stages, from ideation to launch, in such a way that the targeted business benefits are effectively realized.

Your key responsibilities:

Development of the project plan

• Create, in agreement with the Project Owner, an integrated project plan, aimed at creating agreed business benefits
• Develop integrated planning, budget, timeline including quality, organization, information management and SHE
• Assemble an adequate project team and manage suppliers of resources or services to the project

Execution of the project

• Manage the execution of the project within a given project management phase, in compliance with the applicable requirements and standards
• Break down the project objectives into measurable KPIs and drive the realization of these KPIs
• Challenge individual work plans to ensure effective teamwork
• Seek advice and challenge in optimizing effectiveness
• Gather options, carefully select, evaluate and propose a final option (ensure different perspectives are brought together). Monitor whether the reasons for selecting that option remain valid and if not re-visit the option selection process
• Manage the project’s scope via proper change management
• Identify and manage the project risks and inform the Project Owner timely when project risk profile changes
• Inform and educate Project Owner/review team in case of risks, including implications
• Advise the Project Owner when a phase review is required and prepare the information package for the review team meeting

Reporting on the progress of the project

• Organize the tracking of project results
• Make sure project reviews are requested when appropriate and the recommendations are implemented
• Report to the Project Owner the progress on an agreed basis
• Manage the expectations of the stakeholders and provide adequate information to the relevant stakeholders timely.

Closing of the project

• Ensure proper hand-over of project deliverables to running business for the effective realization of the aimed business benefits
• Evaluate the project and share relevant lessons learned

Functional Excellence

• Be an ambassador and promote the professional development of project management in dsm-firmenich
• Participate actively in organizing and executing peer reviews
• Have an active role in the PM community activities and excellence program
• Act as a mentor to other PMs
• Advise the Project Owner and review team on project management governance matters

We bring:

• A rich history and a promising future of bold scientific innovation and passionate creation with our customers.
• A space to grow by encouraging and supporting curiosity and an open mindset.
• Barrier-free communities within our organization where every employee is equally valued and respected – regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity.
• An eagerness to be one team and learn from each other to bring progress to life and create a better future.
• International environment in a dynamic growing affiliate and be part of a multi-cultural European team.

You bring:

• University degree (Master, PhD), preferably background in chemistry, biotech or other Life Science disciplines
• Proven strong project management skills: excellent ability to create and maintain structure while adopting a pragmatic approach to project delivery, focusing on the end goal rather than the process. Capable of balancing details of specific deliverables while driving the bigger picture.
• A team player with the ability to collaborate across business groups, regions and departments, and establish strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• High learning ability, especially with regards to understanding the total value chain of the three Business Units
• Strong conceptual and analytical thinking, with good organization skills
• Excellent communication and strong influencing skills: A proven ability to influence without authority.
• Fluent in English (spoken and written). Knowledge of German or French would be an advantage

Equal opportunities commitment

dsm-firmenich is fully dedicated to inclusion because when people feel engaged and empowered, their creativity and innovation drives unprecedented progress. We aim to build a workplace where opportunity really is equal, so everyone can thrive. We do not discriminate: (here,) there’s a place for everyone with us.

dsm-firmenich is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Our people are as diverse as our customers. For us that includes a commitment to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

We are committed to providing reasonable support for disabled applicants in our recruiting process. Should you need assistance, and are comfortable to share this, please let us know.

About dsm-firmenich

As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world’s growing population to thrive. With our comprehensive range of solutions, with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, we work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss-Dutch company, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €12 billion. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 30,000 employees, we bring progress to life™ every day, everywhere, for billions of people.

www.dsm-firmenich.com