HRGO are seeking an Open Innovation Expert, to serve their Global Innovation R&D Strategy. This is a fantastic opportunity where the 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 our organisation's agility and competitive edge.

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 company's 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: Modernise 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.

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 Church & Dwight's 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: Modernise 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.

Education and Prior Work Experience Required:

• Bachelor's/Master's 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 organisational 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.