Research & Innovation Manager

About the role

Danone is looking for a senior Research & Innovation Manager to help define the next phase of its innovation direction in ANZ. This is a high-impact leadership position with direct influence on portfolio choices, strategic priorities and business performance.

The role carries accountability for setting priorities, guiding the innovation agenda and delivering meaningful outcomes during a pivotal period for the business. You will report to the R&I Director ANZ and sit on the ANZ R&I leadership team, contributing to senior-level decisions while overseeing product, packaging and productivity work across the portfolio.

What you will do

• Set and steer the ANZ innovation strategy so it stays aligned with business goals, brand direction and portfolio plans.
• Lead and develop a cross-functional R&I team based across Melbourne and Kiewa, covering product, packaging, productivity and UX.
• Own the delivery of innovation, renovation and productivity programmes from start to finish while balancing speed, quality, cost and risk.
• Work in close partnership with Marketing, Operations, Sales, Procurement and Supply Chain to shape decisions and support growth.
• Drive projects from concept through launch, including prototyping, formulation, process and packaging development, industrial trials, shelf-life testing and specification development.
• Provide senior technical guidance across regulatory compliance, claims, food safety, quality and intellectual property matters.
• Build productive relationships with external suppliers to identify and unlock new technologies and innovation opportunities.
• Strengthen the team capabilities needed to turn innovation concepts into market-ready solutions.
• Collaborate with global R&I teams on innovation priorities and science-led initiatives.

About you

You are a commercially minded R&I leader who combines strategic thinking with technical depth and strong people leadership. You know how to convert innovation intent into real business outcomes in complex settings, bringing structure, momentum and clarity from idea generation through to trials and launch.

You are comfortable influencing senior stakeholders, developing high-performing teams and using both internal and external partnerships to create future-ready innovation.

Requirements

• Tertiary qualification in Food Technology, Science, Engineering or a related field.
• Strong FMCG background, preferably in dairy, with yoghurt experience seen as an advantage.
• Proven people leadership experience, including leading and developing multidisciplinary teams.
• Hands-on experience in product, process and packaging development.
• Ability to convert business strategy into innovation direction and execution.
• Good working knowledge of regulatory, claims, food safety and quality frameworks.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with confidence operating at senior levels.
• Strong prioritisation, decision-making and delivery skills in fast-moving environments.

Benefits and perks

• Collaborative, high-performing team culture.
• Hybrid working flexibility.
• Early finish every Friday at 3:00 pm.
• Inclusive and diverse workplace culture.
• Personalised learning opportunities to support your growth.
• Competitive total reward package.
• Health and life insurance benefit.
• 26 weeks of gender-neutral paid parental leave.
• Employee Share Subscription Plan available after 12 months of service.
• Performance-linked incentives and annual reviews.

About Danone

Danone’s purpose is to promote healthier and more sustainable eating and drinking habits, guided by its Vision of One Planet. One Health. The company operates across four business lines: Essential Dairy and Plant-Based Products, Waters, and Specialised Nutrition.

Headquartered in France, Danone has offices in 55 countries and sells products in more than 120 markets. With over 100 years of history, its well-known brands include YoPro, Activia, Aptamil and Karicare.

Danone ANZ focuses on dairy and specialised nutrition products for infants and adults and has been recognised as a Great Place to Work in ANZ for the last five years in a row.

Application details

Interested candidates should submit a resume by 28 June 2026.

Diversity, equity and inclusion

Danone is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace where every team member can contribute to business success. All qualified applicants are considered fairly regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or disability.