Open Innovation Manager H/F - Lesaffre

As a global key player in yeasts and fermentation, Lesaffre designs, manufactures and markets innovative solutions forBaking, Food taste & pleasure, Health care and Biotechnology.

Family group born in northern France in 1853, now a multi-national and a multicultural company, Lesaffre is committed toworking with confidence to better nourish and protect the planet.

In close collaboration with its clients and partners, Lesaffre employs10 000 peoplein nearly 80 subsidiariesbased in 50 countries.

Lesaffre achieves a turnover of 2 billion Euros.At Lesaffre, we believe in shaping the future of fermentation and biotechnology to improve food, health, and well-being worldwide. As a global leader in yeast and fermentation solutions, we are committed to fostering innovation and leveraging digital transformation to drive sustainable growth.

Within this vision, the Open Innovation manager will play a pivotal role in driving external innovation, strategic partnerships, and digital adoption to accelerate Lesaffre's impact across industries. This position requires working closely with internal stakeholders, research institutions, startups, and corporate partners to identify new opportunities, develop cutting-edge solutions, and strengthen Lesaffre's position as an industry pioneer.

1. Lead Open Innovation Strategy & Execution
- Develop and execute Lesaffre's open innovation strategy, aligning IT with DDTech & business objectives and priorities.
- Identify and assess emerging technologies, business models, and innovation opportunities to serve DDTech team needs and Lesaffre's core business and future growth.
- Build and manage a structured innovation roadmap, supporting DDTech transformative initiatives or projects or /and exploratory business projects.
- Establish and manage an open innovation governance framework, ensuring alignment with DDTech governance, corporate strategy and effective decision-making.
- Promote a culture of innovation, fostering cross-functional collaboration to drive disruptive ideas.

2. Foster Strategic Partnerships & Ecosystem Engagement
- Establish strong collaborations with startups, incubators, venture capital firms, universities, and research institutions to bring innovative solutions to Lesaffre.
- Lead Lesaffre's participation in accelerators, industry consortiums, and open innovation networks to access breakthrough technologies.
- Act as a key interface, together with relevant DDTech stakeholders, between Lesaffre and external innovation ecosystems to ensure seamless integration of new technologies and business models.
- Negotiate and structure strategic partnerships, and co-development agreements with external partners.

3. Business Impact & Digital Adoption
- Work closely with Lesaffre's DDTech Leadership teams, business units, R&D innovation teams, operations, marketing to ensure efforts are coordinated; aligned with needs and strategy
- Contribute, together with DDTech responsibles to drive the adoption of new digital solutions, leveraging AI, automation, data analytics, and biotechnology advancements to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
- Support the implementation of new business models and go-to-market strategies for innovative products and services.
- Ensure the successful scaling and commercialization of innovation projects by engaging with key stakeholders and securing funding where needed.

4. Thought Leadership & Knowledge Sharing
- Act as an internal ambassador for innovation, promoting a culture of creativity, experimentation, and continuous learning within the organization.
- Organize innovation workshops, hackathons, and training sessions to enhance internal capabilities.
- Provide regular strategic insights on tech trends, market disruptions, and consumer behaviour shifts.
- Develop internal reports and communication materials to share key innovation learnings across business units.

- 7+ years of experience in innovation management, digital transformation, or working with startups/corporate innovation programs.
- Strong entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for technology, sustainability, and industry disruption.
- Proven ability to build and manage partnerships with external innovation ecosystems.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive business impact.
- Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.
- Fluent in English, with additional languages as a plus.
- Willingness to travel (~15% of the time)