Firmenich

Sugar Reduction Innovation Technical Program Associate Director

Location: Princeton, NJ

Place of work: Hybrid

Within our Taste, Texture & Health business vertical, Sugar Reduction is one of our strategic platforms and Sweetness Next -the associated Innovation program - contributes to our industry leading portfolio of solutions to help food and beverages customers achieve their Sugar Reduction ambitions.

We’re hiring a Sugar Reduction Innovation Technical Program Associate Director to lead the platform. You’ll steer the sugar reduction program while collaborating with R&D and the Taste Texture & Health business teams.

At dsm-firmenich, being a force for good is not optional. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is a shared responsibility woven into our daily work, benefiting to our People, Customers & Communities and driving business value. Equal access to opportunities is a given, belonging is a shared feeling, authenticity is celebrated.

Key responsibilities:

• Sugar Reduction Innovation Program and Project management from design, planning, execution and tracking on-time and on-budget to meet agreed objectives, deliverables, and timelines.
• Build and execute stage gate innovation projects from scratch, and/or picks-up existing projects to bring new angles or approaches, set objectives, manage risks and milestones.
• Cross-functional team leadership to ensure full delivery of objectives on-site and virtually across borders working with global teams located on 3 continents (US, Europe, Asia).
• Engage with Subject Matter Experts to understand, interpret, digest, analyse, challenge and communicate scientific and technical results, data and findings (creation, application, sensory, consumer and scientific data) to re-orient the project approach when needed.
• Collaborate with Sugar Reduction Innovation Program Leader (IPL) in designing the pipeline content with key stakeholders (Regions, Key Global Accounts), Strategic Business Units (SBUs) in a competitive and complex environment to build a robust pipeline of projects.
• Scout opportunities for collaboration with relevant partners internally such as Receptor Based Discovery Science Domain but also externally via SBUs and Partnerships management to drive more business impact.

This position is eligible for the dsm-firmenich Hybrid Working model, spending 3 days per week in the Princeton office and the balance of the work week in a home office.

The position will be filled at a level that is commensurate with the experience level of the successful candidate.

We bring

• A rich history and a promising future of bold scientific innovation and passionate creation with our customers
• A space to grow by encouraging and supporting curiosity and an open mindset
• A culture that prioritizes safety and well-being, both physically and mentally
• The opportunity to work for a company where sustainability is much more than a claim and is core to our strategy and purpose
• An eagerness to be one team and learn from each other to bring progress to life and create a better future
• We offer competitive pay, career growth opportunities, and outstanding benefit programs

You bring

• PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Food Technology or Nutrition with minimum 10 years of relevant work experience on Innovation, R&D, Project Management preferably with a Global Food or Beverage CPG company, or with a Flavor and Fragrance company or master’s degree with minimum 15 years of relevant experience as described above required
• Experience in the consumer product industry with sugar reduction programs
• Strong technical background in Food chemistry, Ingredient development, Biotechnology and related fields
• Strong project management skills, influencing skills and business acumen; PMP certification is an asset
• Analytical mindset and excellent problem-solving skills along with facilitation and organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills to facilitate cross-functional communication, autonomous, with strong organizational skills and the ability to take initiative

Our recruitment process

Interested in this position? Please apply online by uploading your resume in English via our career portal by May 12, 2025.

About dsm-firmenich

As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world’s growing population to thrive. With our comprehensive range of solutions, with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, we work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss-Dutch company, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €12 billion. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 30,000 employees, we bring progress to life™ every day, everywhere, for billions of people.

www.dsm-firmenich.com

dsm-firmenich is fully dedicated to inclusion because when people feel engaged and empowered, their creativity and innovation drives unprecedented progress. We aim to build a workplace where opportunity really is equal, so everyone can thrive. We do not discriminate: there’s a place for everyone at dsm-firmenich.

dsm-firmenich is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. dsm-firmenich people are as diverse as our customers. For us that includes a commitment to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

We are committed to providing reasonable support for disabled applicants in our recruiting process. Should you need assistance, and are comfortable sharing this, please let us know.

Agency Note

Please note this is a direct search led by dsm-firmenich. We only accept applications from candidates, not from agencies nor subject to agency’s fees, percentages or similar.