Head of External Innovation Partnerships

Head of External Innovation Partnerships
 

Work location: Meyrin-Satigny (Geneva) or Kaiseraugst, Switzerland
Hybrid

As the Head of External Innovation Partnerships, you'll be the driving force behind strategic collaborations, shaping innovation, and maximizing impact. With a strong background in scientific innovation, 12+ years of experience, and the ability to navigate complex partnerships, you'll lead our organization towards a future defined by successful innovation partnerships, sustainable growth, and diversity in the workplace.

At dsm-firmenich people are at the heart of the company. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and value diversity in the workplace.

Responsibilities 

• Collaborate with key stakeholders to define and align the Science & Research (S&R) partnerships portfolio with Group, Business Unit (BU), and S&R priorities.
• Collaborate with S&R colleagues to identify and prioritize external partners that align with our priorities & contribute to our competitive advantage.
• Track, evaluate and report on the performance and impact of open innovation projects and initiatives.
• Develop and manage the partnerships budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources across various initiatives and projects.
• Support internal teams, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders, in structuring and negotiating terms with external partners, including defining collaboration agreements, intellectual property rights, and other relevant terms.
• Manage the implementation and utilization of open innovation management tools to streamline and enhance the partnership process.
• Develop a strategic plan for sponsorship activities in the external scientific community and innovation-related subsidies to maximize impact for dsm-firmenich, by clearly defining objectives and scope. 

You bring

• BSc in a related field such as Science, Engineering OR advanced University degree (MSc, MBA, or PhD) is strongly preferred.
• 12+ years of experience in a scientific/innovation role required. Breadth in multiple technology areas or science capabilities is a plus.
• 5+ years hands-on experience in open innovation, strategic partnerships, venturing or related roles within the biotech, food & beverage, chemical, pharma or related industries required.
• Strong experience managing and prioritizing portfolios of innovation projects and/or investments (e.g. venturing).
• Excellent project & portfolio management skills with a track record of successfully managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Extensive experience in leading negotiations and deal structuring is a strong plus.
• Demonstrated ability to shape a strategy, by making sense of complex data, trends and dynamics on a continually evolving basis, understanding and anticipating potential impact these may have, and using them to shape the direction of the portfolio/business.
• Strong understanding of the innovation ecosystem, including startups, research institutions, and industry trends.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong ability to influence.
• Fluency in English (C2) is required; fluency in a second language is a plus.

 
 We bring

• A stimulating R&D environment where our passionate experts strive to develop products and new technologies, putting innovation at the heart of our business
• The opportunity to work for a company where sustainability is much more than a claim and is core to our strategy and purpose; 
• A flexible work environment that empowers people to take accountability for their work and own the outcome; 
• Barrier-free communities within our organization where every employee is equally valued and respected – regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity; 
• A firm belief that working together with our customers is the key to achieving great things; 
• An eagerness to be one team and learn from each other to bring progress to life and create a better future; 
• A space to grow, welcoming change by encouraging and supporting curiosity and an open mindset; bringing new ideas and implement new ways of working 

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