Innovation Project Manager

About Givaudan and the Role

Join Givaudan in Singapore, a global leader with more than 17,000 employees, dedicated to enhancing human experiences by crafting food innovations, fragrances, and wellbeing solutions. Based in Pioneer, Singapore, this position is central to driving innovation for the Asia-Pacific region, working closely with research, creation, production teams, and the company’s prestigious perfumery school. Your expertise and creativity will positively impact billions of lives while advancing Givaudan’s mission to be a force for good.

Role Purpose and Responsibilities

• The Innovation Project Manager will spearhead the execution of innovation projects from initial concept through to piloting and first industrialization, helping to achieve the 2035 Operations Vision centred on automation, AI, and advanced manufacturing improvements.
• Serve as the key coordinator for innovation activities, ensuring smooth transitions from ideation to scalable solutions, while fostering strong partnerships, especially with the external partner ARTC.
• Lead and propel pilot projects located in Singapore’s innovation hub, preparing them for broader global rollout.
• Scout and nurture a pipeline of both disruptive and incremental innovations and emerging technologies, aligning them with operational priorities such as cost reduction, productivity gain, and scalability.
• Apply structured project governance and methodologies, including Stage-Gate processes.
• Manage coordination across multiple cross-functional teams such as Innovation, Manufacturing Excellence (ManEx), Center of Excellence (CoE), and Digital teams.
• Ensure consistent alignment with ongoing global innovation programs to maximize integration and impact.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in Engineering or a related discipline.
• At least 7 years of experience managing innovation and projects, demonstrating strong leadership on a global scale.
• Expertise in automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, and Industry 4.0 technologies.

Skills and Competencies

• Proven ability to manage projects with strong execution focus.
• Excellent facilitation skills, capable of leading collaborative workshops across different functions and organizational levels.
• Deep passion for innovation and driving business impact through entrepreneurship.
• Highly motivated, proactive, and independent work style suited to dynamic environments.
• Resilient mindset with a willingness to challenge status quo and innovate.
• Outstanding stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Analytical thinker with structured problem-solving abilities.
• High ownership mindset and drive for results.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel as needed.
• Fluent in English.

Key Performance Indicators

• Effective and timely progression of innovation projects from pilot stages to industrialization.
• Speed and quality in preparing pilots for scaling across global operations.
• Demonstrable operational improvements measured by cost savings per kilogram, productivity increases, scalability, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) enhancements.
• Successful collaboration and relationship strength with ARTC and other innovation partners.
• Robustness and maturity of the innovation pipeline including new technologies and partnerships.

Equal Opportunity and Culture

Givaudan embraces diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, culture, religion, or personal circumstances. Join a workplace that values growth, respect, and the unique contributions of each individual to enrich the collective success.