Global Product Innovation Manager - Beyond Beer

Seniority Level:

AB InBev is seeking a Global Beyond Beer Innovation Manager for our Global Product Innovation team, part of CIF Product Innovation group, in the Global Innovation & Technology Center (GITEC), in Belgium. 

At the heart of our dynamic global growth is a simple belief: nothing should come between incredibly talented people and an accelerated career. That is why we dream big. Why we look to the future, not the past. Why we value talent over title. And why we hire people that can be better than ourselves. At AB InBev you’ll join a driven team that shares your desire to grow, your courage to challenge and commitment to act. In return, we will reward your achievements. The opportunity is here. Make it yours!

Purpose:

The Global Product Innovation team is one of the groups allowing ABInBev to innovate for iconic Beer and Beyond Beer brands such as Stella Artois, Budweiser, Corona, Flying Fish, or Cut Water. In partnership with our technical, commercial, innovation, and zone colleagues, our team is developing the best, superior Beers, No-Alcohol Beers, and Beyond Beer Products to deliver more cheers to our consumers across the globe.

The role:

• In collaboration with Global and Zone Technical Centers, Brewing Quality, Brand, and Innovation teams develop superior Beyond Beer Products according to brand guidelines, quality standards, and consumer needs

  • Develop innovations, or Renovate existing products: recipe design, production in pilot brewery (to enable consumer tests), implementation in our operations.

  • Technical lead of medium to high complexity projects: accountable within the innovation project team, for technical planning, budget, deliverables, and reporting

  • Build, in collaboration with Operations and Technical Support counterparts, product technical documentations and implement new products in our breweries.

• Functional management of a team of Beyond Beer product innovation Specialists.

• Coordinate the mid-term innovation portfolio of projects in collaboration with the Global and Zone Product Innovation network, as well as our suppliers.

• Animate the Beyond Beer Technical Innovation networks: Internally by coordinating harmonization of WoW, knowledge and expertise sharing, cross fertilization of innovation pipelines; Externally by enabling strong collaborations with our suppliers.

• Represent and show case ABInBev innovation capabilities with various internal & external stakeholders (Senior leadership team, Shareholders, Suppliers, Academic partners, …)

• Keep building up technical expertise, and leverage an established network within the organization, suppliers and related industry communities to identify new opportunities for AB InBev in Beyond Beer space.

Who we’re looking for:

Education and experiences

• University technical degree or equivalent (Brewing Science, Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Engineering)

• 10y+ experience in formulation and flavored beverages innovation,

• 5y+ managing product developers,

• Experience in operation (Brewery, Pilot brewery, Flavored beverages production)

• Complementary technical brewing education (CIBD, …), Quality experiences, Project management certification, and sensory qualification are additional assets.

Competencies

• Passion for Innovation and Product Development, with track record of Flavored beverages innovation launches,

• Proven project, portfolio and team management skills: planning, budget, reporting, prioritization,

• Team player, owner, results-oriented, always aiming to reach higher standards,

• Great communicator, with demonstrated ability to coordinate network across different function, and cultures.

• Committed to continuous learning and improvement.

• Fluency in English; other language skills are additional assets.

• Strong foundations in Office  (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, ...).

What We Offer

Alongside a competitive base salary, we put our people first with strong, meaningful benefits:

• Competitive bonus

• Flexible Rewards system (smartphone, bike lease, home internet, extra pension plan, and more)

• Quarterly vouchers to enjoy our beers

• Additional compensation and seniority days on top of legal holidays (40 days total)

• Meal vouchers, allowances, and gifts per company policy

• Unique parental leave offering

• Comprehensive life insurance, disability and medical coverage

• Learning & development opportunities (LinkedIn Le