Head of Customer Innovation Special Nutrition

Head of Customer Innovation Special Nutrition &Health

Our story goes back more than 150 years to the chillysouthern coast of Scandinavia. From our early success in Sweden and Denmarkweve grown into the worlds leading specialist producer of plant-based oilsemploying more than 4000 people across the globe.

We work with our customers to make the products you loveeven better. The oils we produce go into making your chocolate extra-creamy orputting the crunch into your croissant. And its not just food we work acrossindustries to make products that are higher quality healthier and better forthe planet.
Everything we do is about Making Better Happen.

AAK LOCATION
This position is based in Zaandijk The Netherlands andoperates within a global organizational context.

About the role
We are looking for an experienced and visionary Head ofCustomer Innovation to lead AAKs global Customer Innovation team within ourSpecial Nutrition & Health segment. This role combines strategicleadership deep scientific expertise and customer-focused innovation to drivethe development of new products and strengthen AAKs position as a trustedinnovation partner.

As a senior member of the Applied Innovation leadershipteam you will lead a team of technical experts based across Zaandijk andKarlshamn driving new product development initiatives supporting globalGo-to-Market activities and expanding AAKs technological capabilities withinNutrition & Health. You will play a critical role in connecting scientificand technical expertise with customer and market needs ensuring thatinnovation activities deliver both commercial value and competitive advantage.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future ofAAKs Special Nutrition & Health portfolio while contributing to thestrategic development of our global Applied Innovation organization.

Responsibilities
- Lead and develop AAKs global Customer Innovation team within the Special Nutrition & Health segment building technical capability engagement and high performance across teams located in Zaandijk and Karlshamn.
- Drive and initiate new product development projects from concept through to commercial delivery across the Special Nutrition & Health portfolio.
- Provide proactive technical support to regional teams and global business units across specialty products product launches customer innovation activities and Go-to-Market initiatives.
- Build and maintain a strong intellectual property portfolio including freedom-to-operate assessments and the protection of new and existing technologies.
- Initiate and lead functionality programs to expand AAKs technological expertise and strengthen our position as a recognized authority within Nutrition & Health.
- Act as a key member of the Applied Innovation leadership team contributing to strategic direction competence development and facility planning.
- Manage team resources priorities and the Special Nutrition & Health NPD budget to ensure effective execution of innovation activities.
- Lead selected strategic projects related to Applied Innovation strategy organizational capability building and technology development.
- Support customer engagements by translating complex scientific and technological concepts into compelling business and customer value propositions.

About you
- You hold a university degree in Food Science Chemistry or a related scientific or technical discipline.
- You have a minimum of 1015 years of experience within food ingredient technology or related industries including significant experience in new product development.
- You possess deep technological and scientific expertise spanning chemistry food processing nutrition and health applications.
- You have a proven track record of leading innovation projects from concept through to successful commercial launch.
- You have demonstrated experience leading developing and inspiring technical teams in a global environment.
- You combine strong scientific expertise with commercial understanding and can effectively connect technology with customer and market needs.
- You have experience working with intellectual property strategies and freedom-to-operate assessments in an innovation context.
- You are an effective communicator and relationship builder capable of influencing senior stakeholders across technical commercial and leadership functions.
- You thrive in complex international environments and enjoy balancing strategic leadership with hands-on innovation activities.
- You are fluent in English; additional language skills would be advantageous.

In return AAK offers
- Join a pioneering company in specialty oils and fats driving innovation and sustainability.
- In AAK you can work across 25 countries gaining international exposure and collaborating with a diverse team.
- AAK invests in your development with training mentorship and clear career paths.
- You will contribute to a greener world with AAKs sustainability-focused approach.
- Join a diverse and inclusive workplace that values every individuals perspective and talents.

Contact and information
For further information about the position please contactEmily Lumb Talent Acquisition Specialist:

About AAK
Everything AAK does is about Making Better Happen. Wespecialize in plant-based oils that are the value-adding ingredients in many ofthe products people love to consume. We make these products better tastinghealthier and more sustainable. At the heart of AAKs offer is CustomerCo-Development combining our desire to understand what better means for eachcustomer with the unique flexibility of our production assets and deepknowledge of many products and industries including Chocolate andconfectionery Bakery Dairy Plant-based Foods Special Nutrition Foodserviceand Personal Care. Our 4000 employees support our close collaboration withcustomers through 25 regional sales offices 15 dedicated Customer InnovationCenters and the support of more than 20 production facilities. Listed onNasdaq Stockholm and with our headquarters in Malmö Sweden AAK has beenMaking Better Happen for more than 150 years.

AAK prohibits discrimination based on race color sexsexual orientation age national origin physical or mental disabilityreligion veteran status and any other class of individuals protected fromdiscrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access toadmission to or treatment of individuals in its programs and activities oremployment and application for employment.

#LI-Hybrid

Required Experience:

Director