Integral project leader - global

At ofi Cocoa, innovation is at the heart of how we create value for customers and drive sustainable growth. As Integral Project Leader, you will play a key role in transforming innovation opportunities into successful commercial solutions, driving strategic projects that bring innovative cocoa ingredients and processing technologies from concept to market.

This is a high-impact global role where you will connect R&D, Manufacturing, Commercial and Leadership teams, ensuring innovation projects deliver lasting value impact for our customers and our business. You will work closely with senior stakeholders while leading cross-functional teams through the complexities of product and technology development.

• Lead innovation projects regarding new product launches or improvements in processing technology. Integral project teams are typically composed of subproject leaders representing IEC (R&D), Manufacturing, and Commercial functions.
• Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables, develop project plans, and establish timelines and milestones
• Identify potential risks, developing mitigation strategies, and monitoring potential issues.
• Building and Maintaining clear and consistent communication with stakeholders, team members, and management including customers for validation.
• Leading and inspiring project teams, fostering collaboration, and ensuring team members understand their roles and responsibilities
• Tracking project progress, identifying deviations from the plan, and taking corrective actions as needed
• Ensuring that the project deliverables meet the defined quality standards, managing project budgets, tracking expenses, and ensuring the project stays within financial constraints
• Act as a key connector between technical and business teams, translating requirements and ensuring alignment throughout the project lifecycle
• Reporting on project status to global Cocoa steering committee and functional reporting line to global IEC (R&D) Head of ofi Cocoa
• The role will also be part-time, leading the evolving PMO function
  • Competence development of the IEC and global PL’s
  • Advancing project management working methods and tooling
  • Being the trusted partner for the IEC and Global Program Manager (preparing project steering committees and improving way of working)

• A MSc degree in Industrial Engineering and Management, Food Technology or Chemical Engineering.
• A business and commercial attitude and drive is important. An additional MBA or equivalent commercial education is advantageous
• Proven capability as project manager in the B2B food-, specialty chemical or pharmaceutical industry, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience
• Confident and resilient professional, able to act as a credible sparring partner for ofi Cocoa Senior Management
• Innovation management skills including dealing with uncertainty in projects and decision-making
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks.
• Proven leadership skills in project management to translate the company's growth aspirations into tangible actions and KPIs
• Understanding product development from customer inspiration to winning projects.
• Passion for cocoa ingredients, food applications, processing technologies, and creating business value through innovation
• Entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to inspire the team, combining intelligence, agility, creativity, and a proactive mindset.
• Able to identify and resolve issues, make informed decisions, and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Integrity, inclusiveness, and respect for internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and social skills, with proficiency in spoken and written English
• Basic level understanding of ERP, CRM and Project Management software and IP management
• Willingness to travel (20%)