Open Innovation Manager (m/f/d) Research & Development

Open Innovation Manager (m/f/d) Research & Development

R&D - Innovation & Development | Bielefeld | Start date: 04/01/2023 | Full Time | Permanent

Since our beginnings at Dr. Oetker, we have been breaking new ground. With pizza, cake, and desserts, as well as digital platforms and services – quality and an innovative spirit set us apart.

What awaits you? It’s up to you! At. Dr. Oetker, you can actively shape the future – both yours and ours. We want to be part of something bigger. Don’t you?

JOIN THE TASTE.

TEAM DESCRIPTION
Open Innovation is a key building block for our long-term innovation strategy to develop new technology platforms and business models to answer future consumer needs as well as support our Sustainability Charter. We have a clear ambition to expand our network in existing and new innovation ecosystems and harness relevant, external capabilities.

As a member of the R&D Leadership team, the Open Innovation (OI) Manager will proactively build and manage the portfolio of Open Innovation contacts, ensure Dr. Oetker has a strong presence with relevant innovators and academics, and enable quick evaluation of opportunities. You report to the International Head of R&D, and will have strong interfaces with international contacts across functions, especially Marketing, Production, and Oetker Digital.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• As our Open Innovation Manager you identify and maintain relevant Innovation platforms and problems to solve in partnership with the R&D Executive Managers and International Brand Managers (WANT list).
• You identify, analyze, classify, and segment the emerging technological opportunities and promising leads to solve identified problems across existing and emerging innovation ecosystems (FIND).
• Moreover, you conduct high quality scouting discussions, you encourage and maintain relationship with startups and also proactively set R&D challenges based on our key problem platforms and future innovation spaces.
• You help to build appropriate partnership with partners by closely working with legal experts (GET).
• Additionally, you manage further technical engagement with selected partners and drive internal technical assessment of opportunities to achieve proof of for future use.
• You ensure the resulting OI lead pipeline is fed successfully into our R&D Operations and Innovation project funnel (DELIVER).

WHAT YOU BRING

• You have successfully completed a Master’s degree in food technology, food chemistry or an equivalent field of study. In addition, you have several years of professional experience in the food industry, preferably with experience abroad.
• Furthermore, you can convince with your sound scientific knowledge and your ability to gauge a broad range of technological and scientific fields.
• You have a passion for scientific and technological developments around the world. You have strong analytical and negotiation skills and experience in working with external partners and in international teams.
• An entrepreneurial spirit, strong communication skills and the ability to effectively handle organizational complexity characterize you.
• You are a Team Player with demonstrated project management and leadership skills and have experience in managing transversal projects and producing high quality assessments of scientific concepts.
• Your very good English skills and your willingness to travel internationally complete your profile.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU
Onboarding for new employees | Further education opportunities | Attractive remuneration with non-tariff benefits | Pension plan | Job ticket | Flexible work models | Mobile work | 30 days of vacation | Special vacation at Christmas & New Year’s Eve | Sabbatical | Family-run company | Daycare cooperation and vacation programs for children | Excellent employee restaurant | Bicycle parking spaces | Free car parking spaces | Discounts in the Dr. Oetker Shop | Sports, health and fitness offers | Laundry service | Showers for employees | Events and celebrations