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Research & Innovation

(Senior) Team Leader Packaging Design & Discovery

• Netherlands
• Utrecht
• On-site
• Posted: 24 Nov 2025

About the job

We are seeking a Packaging Design & Discovery Leader to drive innovation by leading a talented design team and building strategic partnerships with startups and universities. In this leadership role, you will play a key part in shaping the future of packaging by fostering creativity, integrating emerging trends, and ensuring that our intellectual property is protected as a valuable asset.

About the Role

As a Packaging Design & Discovery Team Leader, you will be responsible for guiding and mentoring a diverse team, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. You will establish and manage strategic collaborations with external partners to bring fresh insights into our portfolio. Additionally, you will define and execute an IP strategy with legal teams, ensuring proper protection and documentation of innovations. Your role also involves aligning packaging design strategies with business goals, overseeing the full design process from ideation to implementation, and maintaining high-quality standards. Through close collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders, you will drive user-centric solutions while continuously improving design methodologies and innovation practices.

Your mission Reporting to the Global R&I SN Director Packaging, your responsibilities include:

• Mentor and manage the design team, fostering innovation and professional growth in line with business and product goals.
• Leverage external research and trends to enhance product development and build partnerships with innovative organizations.
• Organize design workshops and hackathons.
• Define and execute an IP strategy with legal teams, ensuring proper documentation and protection of innovations.
• Work with internal and external partners to drive user-centric design strategies.
• Align design efforts with company goals and emerging trends.
• Lead the full design process, from ideation to implementation.
• Advocate for design excellence and user experience.
• Align design efforts with product teams and external partners.
• Present strategies to leadership and stakeholders.
• Introduce new methodologies and stay updated on industry trends.

This role offers the opportunity to shape packaging design and innovation while ensuring alignment with business goals and external advancements.

About you

• 8+ years of experience in product design, with at least 3+ years in a leadership or management role within a complex organisation.
• Proven experience in building and maintaining strategic partnerships with startups, universities, and research institutions.
• Strong portfolio showcasing successful design leadership, particularly in collaborating with external organizations to drive innovation.
• Expertise in design tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, and prototyping tools (InVision, Marvel, etc.).
• In-depth understanding of user experience (UX) principles, interaction design, visual design, and accessibility standards.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to foster collaboration between internal teams and external partners.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams, including product managers, engineers, and academic researchers.
• Knowledge of the startup ecosystem, emerging technologies, and academic research, with experience applying these insights to product design.
• Experience in collaborating with legal teams to protect intellectual property, secure patents, and manage the documentation and filing process.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in creating and managing co-design or innovation labs with universities or startups.
• Experience in drafting and negotiating IP-related agreements, such as non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and joint venture contracts.
• Understanding of Agile development methodologies and their integration into design processes.
• Advanced knowledge of motion design, animation, or other specialized design techniques.
• A Master's degree in Design, HCI, or a related field.

About Danone

Working here you'll need to enjoy a fast-pace, complexity and it can get a little challenging. But it's packed with opportunities. You'll work with some of the best-known brands in the world, such as Evian, Nutricia, Activia and Nutrilon and we absolutely guarantee that you can just be yourself. Be innovative and entrepreneurial and the impact you could make might just amaze you. Join our movement for a healthier world. One Planet One Health BY YOU .

We are proud to be an equal employer. We are convinced our differences make the difference and that an inclusive working environment will drive our growth as a business, as teams and as individuals. We will therefore consider all applicants for employment* fostering an inclusive working culture that is accessible for all.

Did you know that as a B-Corp certified company, Danone Benelux meets the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability?

We Offer

At Danone, we offer a complete package of benefits, with a competitive primary salary and yearly bonus, but also benefits like a premium free pension, 30 days annual leave and several discounts on a collective health insurance and even on some of our products.