Product Innovation Manager

**Introduction**:
GIMBER is the new “kick on the block”, as well as a fast-growing company, that is making its spicy way through the zero-proof market.

Tired of the same old wine-drenched parties, Dimitri gave birth to GIMBER in November 2017 in his home kitchen, after months of digging for the perfect combination that would spice up his taste buds without making his head spin.

A crazy amount of premium ginger, water and good vibes later, GIMBER came to its official existence for you to dip your days & nights in the powerful bite it never fails to deliver.

They believe that people are what they drink & that they are what they bring to the market. In other words, to get the world hooked on a pure, natural & organic ginger drink.

To embody their kicking growth mindset, on a national and international scale, we are currently recruiting a Product Innovation Manager.

**Job description**:
You will have an end-to-end responsibility for GIMBERS’ research activities, incorporating current developments to improve the existing product portfolio, combined with a strong emphasis on new product development and potential. Furthermore you will assure an overall quality management approach from raw materials to finished products.
- You ensure a continues innovation pipeline is in place, keeping abreast on market tendencies and product developments. You will search for new raw materials, recipes, optimizations and packaging innovation.
- You manage the full product life cycle from idea, concept development, feasibility study & risk analysis, lab & pilot trials and scale up to production.
- You will secure a thorough specification management system, validating all products and procedures.
- You will monitor the performance and quality of all suppliers and external production activities.
- You will analyze, monitor and follow-up on all complaints (suppliers & end customers) and translate them into process and product optimizations.
- You strive for a solid internal and external buy-in with your main stakeholders that will empower the collaboration and enhances innovation, procedures, standards and systems.
- You will report directly to the COO.

**Profile**:

- You obtained a Master degree in Bio-engineering and/or Chemistry (or similar through relevant experience).
- You have a strong R&D background within the Food/FMCG industry, preferably within natural food and/or beverage processing.
- You can build on an experience of min. 7-10 years within an R&D, Innovation and/or Quality Management role. Experience within a production environment is a must.
- You are passionate about the creation, development and optimization of high level quality food products. Affinity with natural, organic and or bio certified products is considered an asset.
- You are a real food & health addict with a strong sense of flavor curious to discover new sensations.
- You gained a strong quality assurance experience and proactively monitor, optimize and safeguard the entire production process. You assure compliance with all food safety, quality regulations and certifications.
- You love and are experienced in product & process optimizations and are able to analyze information, take initiatives and make decisions.
- You gained a strong project management skillset able to deliver projects on time, in scope and within budget.
- You are fluent in English combined with a solid knowledge of Dutch. French is an asset.
- You will be working out of the HQ in Brussels combined with home working flexibility.
- In order to secure the culture fit with the GIMBER tribe we are looking for a hands-on, down-to-earth, entrepreneurial personality.

**Offer**:
Join the tribe GIMBER offers you the chance to join a young, dynamic and fast growing Belgian company with a strong kicking growth mindset.