Nestlé’s Research & Development Center is our regional powerhouse driving innovation in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical science. Backed by our global Nestlé R&D organization, we lead breakthrough discoveries that are both good for consumers and the planet. Our team of experts range from product developers to engineers, working across our portfolio of food, beverage, infant nutrition, and health science to create leading-edge products and services. As part of our organization, you will use your entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence to unlock the power of food and provide premium value.   

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Accelerator Coach will be responsible for supporting R&D projects in North America from the initial idea stage to the shop test. These projects focus on developing innovative food and beverage products that meet consumer needs and drive growth outside of Nestle's core offerings. The role will partner with senior coach, and lead project teams and provide coaching on agile innovation approaches, tools, and methodologies to ensure efficient and effective execution. This role requires expertise in both technical and commercial areas to successfully bring disruptive innovations to market.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead project team from idea-to-launch through consumer problem definition, solution design, manufacturing, and shop test.
• Utilize entrepreneurial mindset, agile innovation tools, and design thinking principles to develop disruptive product concepts.
• Develop project plans including scope, design basis, success criteria, timelines, resource needs, critical assumptions, and risk analysis. 
• Transform an idea into a product test launch within 6 months, through development of Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that is scalable, and consumer driven.
• Challenge experimental design, test project assumptions and validate hypothesis.
• Effectively manage between stakeholders and business partners (innovation agencies, start-ups, external partners, etc.)
• Partner within Accelerator team for dedicated growth hacking, graphic design, and product design expertise, and outside of accelerator team to ensure compliance.
• Effectively network within Nestle USA and Global R&D community to support Accelerator teams in accessing all needed knowledge to advance the design, development, and decision-making.
• Up-skill project teams on entrepreneurial behaviors and agile innovation approaches.
• Manage and prioritize as necessary multiple deliverables across multiple projects simultaneously.
• Establish and implement transfer plans for projects post-closure with business stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of innovation trends, techniques, and external capabilities to help evolve ways of working.   
• Be a recognized ambassador of the Accelerator in the organization.
• Ability to travel 10% (mostly within US)

JOB QUALIFICATIONS (Education, Experience and Knowledge):  

• Degree in Product Innovation, Engineering, Business, or related field.
• 5 years’ experience in developing and commercializing new product innovation.
• Prior experience in Innovation Coaching a plus
• Project Management certification a plus.
• Comfortable working in global matrix organization across multiple time zones.  
• Demonstrated Project Management skills in Innovation, with end-to-end experience and strong expertise in “Build-Measure-Learn” start-up methodology. Able to apply, coach and train others on this methodology.
• Strong stakeholder management skills at all levels and across functional roles, setting up new ways of working, challenging the status quo.
• Strong presentation skills (storyline, design, and communication)
• Strong organizational savvy skills.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

A proactive independent person and can lead/manage/complete work under supervision of senior coach and collaborates with other accelerator team members. A Creative and innovative with a sense of urgency and passion.

SUPERVISION GIVEN:

This individual must be able to lead/mentor project teams that they are leading.

FINANCIAL/STRATEGIC IMPACT:

This position is in support and service of Nestle US R&D Accelerator – Arlington site, supporting multiple product categories, including (not limited to): Beverages (not including coffee), Snacks (not frozen), Baking, Nutrition and Food Service.

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To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role.  In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities.  Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.

The Nestlé Companies are an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, perceived disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, as defined by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.