About the Role
Lead MISTA, Givaudan's strategic open innovation platform, by identifying latest technologies, building strategic partnerships, and activating a global ecosystem of startups, academia, investors, and industry leaders to accelerate innovation and unlock new growth opportunities.
Responsibilities
- Lead and strengthen the MISTA ecosystem, ensuring delivery of value for Givaudan and MISTA members.
- Implement ecosystem, technology scouting, and partnership strategies aligned with Front End Innovation priorities.
- Identify new technologies, startups, and disruptive opportunities across food, ingredients, biotechnology, health, nutrition, sustainability, AI, and adjacent sectors.
- Build and activate strategic networks across startups, venture capital firms, accelerators, universities, research institutions, and industry partners.
- Translate member and challenges into targeted scouting initiatives, innovation programs, and collaboration opportunities.
- Generate relevant technology, market, and ecosystem insights to support strategic decision-making.
- Lead opportunity assessment, due diligence, business case development, and partnership recommendations.
- Develop and activate strategic partnerships, pilot programs, co-development programs, and innovation collaborations.
- Lead MISTA innovation programs, including Growth Hacks, startup engagement activities, ecosystem events, and member collaborations.
- Source, engage with startups and innovation partners to address member priorities and future growth opportunities.
- Define priorities, KPIs, roadmaps, and reporting to measure ecosystem performance, innovation impact, and value creation.
- Partner with innovation, business, and commercialization teams to ensure successful transition and execution of validated opportunities.
- Represent MISTA and Front End Innovation across external innovation networks, strategic partnerships, industry events, and ecosystem engagements.
- Influence partners through data-driven insights, strategic recommendations, and strong relationship management.
Requirements
- Master's degree in Food Science, Biotechnology, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Nutrition, or a related scientific discipline.
- 8–12 years of experience in open innovation, technology scouting, ecosystem development, venture building, strategic partnerships, or related fields.
- Experience within food, ingredients, biotechnology, health, nutrition, sustainability, or adjacent industries.
- Track record building innovation ecosystems, strategic partnerships, and external collaborations that bring growth.
- 5+ years experience working with startups, venture capital firms, accelerators, incubators, and research institutions.
- 5+ years of experience with latest technologies, startup ecosystems, and new idea trends.
- Experience conducting technology assessments, commercial evaluations, and partnership due diligence.
- Connect science, technology, market insights, and business strategy to create innovation outcomes.
- Recognized network and credibility within the FoodTech and innovation ecosystem.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation, collaboration, and creating measurable impact.
- Influence organizations and build trusted relationships.
Skills
- Open innovation
- Technology scouting
- Ecosystem development
- Venture building
- Strategic partnerships
- Food Science
- Biotechnology
- Food Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Material Science
- Nutrition
- Startups
- Venture capital
- Accelerators
- Universities
- Research institutions
- Industry partners
- AI
- Sustainability
- Health
- Nutrition
- Technology assessments
- Commercial evaluations
- Partnership due diligence
- Relationship management
Location
- San Francisco, California
Work Type
- Onsite
Experience Level
- Senior Manager
- 8-12 years experience
- 5+ years experience with startups, venture capital firms, accelerators, incubators, and research institutions
- 5+ years experience with latest technologies, startup ecosystems, and new idea trends
Education Level
- Master's degree
Salary/Compensations
- $150,000-$220,000
Benefits
- Medical coverage
- Dental coverage
- Vision coverage
- High-matching 401(k) retirement plan
About the Company
- At Givaudan, innovation starts by connecting the right challenges with the right ecosystem.
- At Givaudan, you contribute to delightful taste and scent experiences that touch people’s lives.
- You work within an inspiring teamwork culture – where you can thrive, collaborate and learn from other talented and passionate people across disciplines, regions and divisions.
- Every essence of you enriches our world.
- Diversity of perspectives fuels innovation and fosters deeper connections with our employees, customers, and partners.
- At Givaudan, we are dedicated to cultivating an inclusive environment where every individual’s voice is valued and has the power to shape our world.
- Join us in making a difference together.
Equal Opportunity
- Givaudan takes into consideration a wide range of factors that are utilized in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications/certifications and education, and internal equity.
