ORGANISATION
Jack Link’s family owned and value driven business is dedicated to crafting protein-packed snacks that are loved by consumers worldwide. The company’s array of brands include some of the fastest growing and innovating protein snack brands such as Jack Link’s, BiFi and Peperami. The spacious and modern Jack Link’s EMEA headquarters is located in the vibrant Amsterdam Houthavens, and includes a highly international team, with more than 25 different nationalities. Jack Link’s EMEA team is committed to continuing its impressive EMEA expansion, one bite at a time, and becoming the regional leader in branded protein snacks. In their fast-paced, international office in Amsterdam we are looking for a highly capable:
INNOVATION PROJECT MANAGER EMEA
POSITION
You will drive the shaping and delivery of innovation projects across our 4 brands (BiFi, Peperami, Jack Link’s and Minuets). This role is critical in managing timelines, resources, and cross-functional alignment, with a particular focus on leading our strategic innovation agenda and operationalising the innovation pipeline. The position reports into the Head of Innovation EMEA (Alessandra Tassinario).
RESPONSIBILITIES
To lead and manage the end-to-end implementation of the innovation and renovation pipeline for the EMEA brands. The role will focus on ensuring timely, aligned and effective delivery of innovation projects, while also coordinating the pipeline filling process and leading the most strategic initiatives.
- Lead the EMEA Innovation Gate process, including coordination, preparation and facilitation of gate meetings and documentation;
- Coordinate the innovation pipeline filling efforts across the business, in collaboration with Marketing, Insights, R&D and Commercial teams;
- Own and lead the most strategic and complex innovation projects, ensuring successful delivery against scope, budget, timing and quality;
- Support and enable all other innovation projects across the brands through project management tools, templates and coaching;
- Support multifunctional team in creating solid BC in line with business expectations;
- Manage innovation and renovation projects from brief to market launch using best-in-class project management methodologies;
- Ensure cross-functional alignment and communication across Marketing, R&D, Operations, Procurement, Sales and Finance;
- Track progress, manage risks and proactively flag bottlenecks;
- Support packaging, product and operational readiness for all launches.
PROFILE CANDIDATE
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Relevant working experience in FMCG project management, innovation delivery or cross-functional leadership;
- Proven success delivering cross-functional innovation projects from concept to launch;
- Experience leading Stage-Gate or Funnel-based innovation processes;
- Understanding of technical development, manufacturing and packaging dynamics;
- Exposure to strategic portfolio and pipeline management;
- Comfortable to work with Marketing and Commercial team;
- Background in food & beverage is strongly preferred.
RELEVANT COMPETENCIES
- Excellent project and stakeholder management skills;
- Highly organized, proactive and solutions-oriented;
- Strong cross-functional influencing and communication;
- Able to manage complexity and competing priorities;
- Commercial and financial acumen;
- Comfortable working in fast-paced, agile environments;
- Able to drive clarity in complex and non-structured situations;
- Fluent in English; German is a plus.
