At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in dairy, focusing on milk-derived proteins and commercial opportunities.
- Company: Dale Farm, a leader in the dairy industry with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, pension, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Opportunity for travel across the UK and EU, with excellent growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in dairy innovation while developing your career.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in dairy R&D, strong leadership, and commercial skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
Role Summary
Reporting to the Head of Innovation, the Senior Innovation Manager will lead and manage innovation activity in new and emerging technical spaces, with a particular focus on milk-derived proteins such as MPI and WPI and associated by-products. The postholder will identify and execute projects that maximise value from Dale Farms expanding milk pool, while building commercial opportunities across clinical nutrition and food ingredient markets. The role requires strong scientific understanding of dairy products and processes, proven commercial acumen, and the leadership capability to drive cross-functional innovation programmes across multiple sites. Travel across the UK and EU will be required.
Main Responsibilities
- Drive the development and execution of key innovation projects in line with the commercial strategy for Dale Farms added-value dairy portfolio.
- Develop business plans to maximise returns from the milk pool by identifying the most commercially and technologically attractive opportunities.
- Lead innovation and R&D activity focused on proteins, notably milk protein ingredients such as MPI and WPI, together with associated by-products.
- Build differentiation for Dale Farm through product and process innovation in clinical nutrition and food ingredient markets.
- Develop relationships with new and existing customers to deliver commercially attractive innovation opportunities.
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to deliver optimised, profitable technical solutions and commercially successful projects.
- Work closely with NPD and site teams to ensure effective handover and implementation of projects, while providing ongoing technical support as required.
- Monitor global dairy trends, customer needs, and competitor activity to inform decision-making and identify emerging market opportunities.
- Lead cross-functional projects across operations, supply chain, production, technical, quality, finance, and commercial teams to ensure seamless delivery.
- Represent Dale Farm at trade events and industry forums, particularly within the clinical nutrition and food ingredient sectors.
- Deliver agreed annual targets relating to innovation income, process savings, project milestones, funding, and RDEC activity.
- Build, lead, motivate, and manage innovation capability across the function, directly and indirectly through existing teams.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- At least 10 years technical, R&D, or innovation experience within the dairy industry.
- Strong dairy processing and scientific knowledge, with a proven track record in product and process introductions.
- Significant experience across proteins, cheese, powders, whey, milk powder products, and associated dairy processes.
- Strong commercial acumen, with evidence of successful income generation and the ability to identify market opportunities.
- Experience within clinical nutrition and food ingredient sectors, with the ability to build and develop strong customer relationships.
- Proven leadership track record, including the ability to lead teams and deliver cross-functional projects in demanding environments.
- Excellent presentation, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly and concisely.
- PhD or MSc in Food Science or a related discipline, with a minimum of a BSc qualification.
- A strategic, commercially minded, and solutions-focused approach, with strong problem-solving and decision-making capability.
- Willingness and ability to travel across the UK and EU as required.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working with international dairy markets and emerging global dairy opportunities.
- Additional commercial or business qualifications.
- Experience of securing funding support for innovation activities, including RDEC or other funding routes.
- Experience representing a business at industry forums, trade events, or customer-facing technical engagements.
Why Dale Farm?
Dale Farm offers a competitive salary commensurate with the responsibilities of the role, together with a comprehensive benefits package. This includes 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, a contributory company pension, Life Assurance, access to wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme, and enhanced maternity and paternity leave. We are also committed to supporting the learning and development of our employees throughout their careers. We are proud to promote an open and supportive culture which is based on our core values: Teamwork | Positivity | Resolve | Ambition | Curiosity | Accountability.
You can find out more about our organisation on our LinkedIn and Facebook Career pages and on our company website where you will find the link to apply. The closing date for applications will be confirmed.
Senior Innovation Manager in Belfast employer: Dale Farm Ltd
Dale Farm is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for a Senior Innovation Manager to thrive. With a commitment to employee development, competitive benefits including generous leave and pension schemes, and a supportive work environment grounded in core values such as teamwork and curiosity, Dale Farm empowers its employees to drive meaningful change in the dairy industry. The opportunity to lead cross-functional projects across the UK and EU further enhances the role, providing a dynamic and rewarding career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Innovation Manager in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, especially those in dairy innovation. Attend trade events and forums where you can meet potential colleagues or clients. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your experience with milk-derived proteins and innovation projects. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven successful outcomes in previous roles. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! When reaching out to companies like Dale Farm, make sure to highlight your unique skills that align with their needs. Show them how you can add value to their innovation strategy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team at Dale Farm.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Innovation Manager in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in dairy innovation and R&D. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills and achievements!
Show Off Your Commercial Acumen:Since this role requires strong commercial skills, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully identified market opportunities or generated income in previous positions. We love seeing candidates who can think strategically!
Highlight Leadership Experience:As a Senior Innovation Manager, you'll need to lead teams and projects. Share specific instances where you've successfully managed cross-functional teams or driven innovation initiatives. We’re looking for those leadership vibes!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:While we appreciate a friendly tone, remember to maintain professionalism in your application. Use clear language and structure your documents well. And don’t forget, you can apply directly through our website for a smoother process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dale Farm Ltd
✨Know Your Dairy Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of milk-derived proteins, especially MPI and WPI. Be ready to discuss how these proteins can be innovatively used in clinical nutrition and food ingredients. Showing a strong scientific understanding will definitely impress the interviewers.
✨Show Off Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare examples of how you've successfully identified market opportunities and generated income in previous roles. Think about specific projects where you maximised returns from resources, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for in a Senior Innovation Manager.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience leading cross-functional teams and driving innovation projects. Share stories that highlight your ability to motivate and manage teams effectively, especially in demanding environments. This will show that you have the leadership capability they need.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve built relationships with customers and stakeholders in the past. Prepare to discuss how you’ve liaised with different teams to deliver successful projects. This will showcase your communication skills and your ability to work collaboratively across functions.
