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 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the dairy industry. Attend trade events, join relevant forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or industry peers, make sure to highlight your experience with milk-derived proteins and innovation projects. Share specific examples of how you've driven successful outcomes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company like Dale Farm that excites you, don’t wait for a job posting. Reach out directly through their website or social media. Express your interest in innovation roles and share how your skills align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching current trends in dairy innovation. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their commercial strategy and drive cross-functional projects. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but a perfect match for their vision!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Innovation Manager
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 of Senior Innovation Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific projects you've led or contributed to that demonstrate your commercial acumen and technical expertise. We love seeing quantifiable results, so include any metrics that show your impact!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your experience and avoid jargon unless it’s industry-specific. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you can find more info about our company culture there!
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 Your Commercial Savvy
Prepare examples that highlight your commercial acumen. Think about past projects where you identified market opportunities or generated income. Being able to articulate how you maximised returns from innovation will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role requires leading cross-functional teams, come prepared with stories that showcase your leadership experience. Discuss how you've motivated teams and successfully delivered projects in demanding environments. This will show that you can handle the responsibilities of the position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to talk about your experience in building relationships with customers and stakeholders. Highlight any successful collaborations that led to innovative solutions. This will demonstrate your ability to liaise effectively and deliver commercially attractive opportunities.
