Director, Technical Innovation, South East Europe

Role Purpose 

The Director Technical Innovation is accountable for leading complex, cross-functional commercialisation programs from feasibility through post-launch review within dedicated markets or category.  

The Director Technical Innovation is accountable for the end-to-end execution of assigned product or packaging commercialisation projects within the allocated FU´s or category.  

This position ensures commercial readiness, operational robustness and execution discipline. 

The role focuses on delivery excellence within assigned project, operating under the portfolio governance and strategic direction defined by the Senior Director Innovations and the local market needs. 

What you will do for us 

End-to-End Commercialisation Leadership 

• Lead full lifecycle commercialisation programs for new products, packaging changes, renovations or line extensions. 

• Translate innovation pipeline commitments into executable project roadmaps. 

• Drive stage-gate discipline and structured milestone governance. 

• Ensure launch readiness aligned with commercial go-to-market timelines. 

Project & Program Management Excellence 

• Establish and manage integrated project plans across Supply Chain, Technical, Quality, Procurement, Regulatory and Commercial teams. 

• Act as the single accountable project lead for assigned commercialisation initiatives. 

• Manage scope, timeline, risks, interdependencies, and resource allocation. 

• Ensure proactive risk mitigation and escalation where required. 

Execution & Speed-to-Market 

• Secure alignment between market ambition and operational feasibility. 

• Coordinate plant trials, validation and capability ramp-up within compressed timelines. 

• Drive SKU complexity management and packaging transition planning. 

• Ensure post-launch performance monitoring and structured stabilisation. 

Stakeholder & Bottler Interface 

• Partner closely with bottler project teams for local implementation. 

• Maintain strong communication cadence with cross-functional leadership. 

• Provide structured reporting within the governance framework defined by the Senior Director. 

Qualification & Experience 

• 5–8 years of experience in Technical Operations, R&D or Supply Chain. 

• Strong hands-on project leadership experience. 

• Experience in manufacturing processes. 

• Experience in connection with R&D functions. 

• Ability to manage complexity within a defined project scope. 

• Strong operational problem-solving skill 

• Adaptable and resilient, with a growth and continuous learning mindset; comfortable leading through ambiguity and change. 

• Proven ability to lead, coach and develop teams and individuals, fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, accountability and high performance. 

Education 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Science, Business Administration or a related field is required. An advanced degree is preferred; however, demonstrated leadership impact and relevant experience will be strongly valued. 

Base salary - 307000 - 378000 Polish Zloty 

Base pay offered may vary depending on geography location, job-related knowledge, skills and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position is offered.

Travel Requirements 

• Up to 10–25 % travel, subject to business needs. 

What We Offer 

• The opportunity to shape and lead the technical and supply chain agenda for a complex, high impact system. 

• Exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making. 

• A diverse, multicultural environment with strong growth and development opportunities. 

• The chance to drive meaningful impact across safety, sustainability, innovation and performance.