Director, Technical Innovation

The Director Technical Innovation is accountable for leading complex, cross‑functional commercialisation programmes from feasibility through post‑launch review within dedicated markets or category. The Director Technical Innovation is also responsible for the end‑to‑end execution of assigned product or packaging commercialisation projects within the allocated FUs or category. This position ensures commercial readiness, operational robustness and execution discipline. The role focuses on delivery excellence within assigned projects, operating under the portfolio governance and strategic direction defined by the Senior Director Innovations and the local market needs.

What you will do for us

End‑to‑End Commercialisation Leadership

• Lead full lifecycle commercialisation programmes for new products, packaging changes, renovations or line extensions.
• Translate innovation pipeline commitments into executable project roadmaps.
• Drive stage‑gate discipline and structured milestone governance.
• Ensure launch readiness aligned with commercial go‑to‑market timelines.

Project & Program Management Excellence

• Establish and manage integrated project plans across Supply Chain, Technical, Quality, Procurement, Regulatory and Commercial teams.
• Act as the single accountable project lead for assigned commercialisation initiatives.
• Manage scope, timeline, risks, interdependencies and resource allocation.
• Ensure proactive risk mitigation and escalation where required.

Execution & Speed‑to‑Market

• Secure alignment between market ambition and operational feasibility.
• Coordinate plant trials, validation and capability ramp‑up within compressed timelines.
• Drive SKU complexity management and packaging transition planning.
• Ensure post‑launch performance monitoring and structured stabilisation.

Stakeholder & Bottler Interface

• Partner closely with bottler project teams for local implementation.
• Maintain strong communication cadence with cross‑functional leadership.
• Provide structured reporting within the governance framework defined by the Senior Director.

Qualification & Experience

• 5–8 years of experience in Technical Operations, R&D or Supply Chain.
• Strong hands‑on project leadership experience.
• Experience in manufacturing processes.
• Experience in connection with R&D functions.
• Ability to manage complexity within a defined project scope.
• Strong operational problem‑solving skill.
• Adaptable and resilient, with a growth and continuous learning mindset; comfortable leading through ambiguity and change.
• Proven ability to lead, coach and develop teams and individuals, fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, accountability and high performance.

Base salary - 307 000 - 378 000 Polish Zloty

Education

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, business administration or a related field is required. An advanced degree is preferred; however, demonstrated leadership impact and relevant experience will be strongly valued.

Travel Requirements

• Up to 10–25% travel, subject to business needs.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to shape and lead the technical and supply chain agenda for a complex, high‑impact system.
• Exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision‑making.
• A diverse, multicultural environment with strong growth and development opportunities.
• The chance to drive meaningful impact across safety, sustainability, innovation and performance.

Location(s)

Italy

City/Cities

Milan

Travel Required

00% - 25%

Relocation Provided

No

Job Posting End Date

April 21, 2026

Our Purpose and Growth Culture

We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what’s possible and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. We focus on four key behaviours – curious, empowered, inclusive and agile – and value how we work as much as what we achieve.