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.
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