Innovation Portfolio Management Director

Job content

Work location: Geneva headquarters, Switzerland

We are currently seeking an experienced and driven individual to join the Firmenich R&D organization as Innovation Portfolio Management Director. Reporting to the VP R&D, Strategy and Open Innovation, the individual will be responsible for guiding project teams to timely and successful delivery of the Research and Innovation portfolio of projects. As a critical contributor to the transformation of the Innovation Portfolio and Process, the individual will lead portfolio and project management activities, manage stakeholder relationships and drive innovation process excellence. The Innovation Portfolio Management Director will collaborate closely with senior management and business partners to design and execute strategic plans. This position is based in Geneva, Switzerland.

Role and Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of innovation projects balancing its risk profile to maximize long-term value creation

Coordinate relevant R&D activities to ensure timely delivery of Innovation projects, strategically assess the portfolio for gaps and acceleration opportunities, and prioritize the portfolio for optimal use of resources

Ensure projects are budgeted, defined, tracked, and executed in a consistent and effective way that will maximize project success and drive business growth

Develop and maintain project management standards, practices, and methodologies

Support, mentor and challenge project teams on their deliverables, and coach them on the proper use of innovation processes

Lead continuous improvement initiatives

Organize and drive project and portfolio reviews for R&D and business leadership

Manage the quarterly reporting of portfolio and project KPIs, milestone status

Create and maintain the Innovation Playbook for the portfolio of projects under your management

Requirements

BS/BA or equivalent in a Physical or Life Science discipline; PhD strongly preferred

6+ years (or 10+ years without a PhD), of industry and/or management consulting experience, with exposure to the consumer goods, health/wellness, biotech, specialty chemicals and/or directly adjacent industries

Superior business acumen with strong analytical skills, fluency in performing rigorous financial, valuation, market and broad quantitative analyses

Solid hands-on project / program management experience with an ability to manage multiple streams in parallel

Strong verbal and written communication skills, including preparation of high-quality presentations tailored to varying audiences

A strategic thinker who can link technology with business value creation

Ability to accept and lead change

Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, and a keen ability to influence without a position of authority

A team player yet autonomous, proactive and action-oriented, with a sense of accountability and ownership

We offer:
To be in for an inspiring journey of learning and business transformation

To play a key role in our purpose to improve the quality of life of our workforce, our families, our local communities and society at large

To be part of a company shaping a strong legacy through breakthrough industrial innovations and technology

Leverage long-term career opportunities and a stable work environment