Innovation Project Manager Benelux

Who We Are

We are Suntory, a global leader in the beverage industry with a heritage that dates back to 1899 in Osaka, Japan. Today, we operate across more than 265 group companies worldwide, employing over 40,000 people. Our portfolio spans soft drinks, spirits, beer, wine, ready-to-drink beverages, and wellness products, combining tradition with innovation to deliver exceptional quality.We are driven by our philosophy, “Bringing Water to Life,” which reflects our deep respect for nature and our commitment to sustainability. We strive to enrich lives and create harmony with people and nature through everything we do.As one of the world’s leading beverage companies and the third-largest distilled spirits company globally, we continue to grow while staying true to our values of quality, craftsmanship, and responsibility to society.

About You

You’re someone who brings energy, structure, and strategic thinking to every project you touch. You thrive in environments where innovation, cross‑functional collaboration, and operational excellence intersect. You’re comfortable influencing senior stakeholders, navigating complexity, and driving clarity in fast‑moving situations. You enjoy connecting the dots between marketing ambition and operational reality, and you’re motivated by seeing ideas turn into successful launches in the market. You’re proactive, autonomous, and at your best when you’re orchestrating teams toward a shared goal.

About your role

As the Innovation Project Manager Benelux, based in our office in Hoeilaart in Belgium, you’ll be the central point of contact for the full Benelux innovation portfolio. You’ll partner closely with Brand Marketing to shape innovation pipelines, build business cases, and lead projects through the regional Stage & Gate process. Beyond innovation, you’ll also manage business‑critical development initiatives such as cost‑saving programs, business continuity plans, and compliance projects. You’ll work cross‑functionally with R&D, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Quality, Sales, Finance, and international teams ensuring every project is delivered with excellence, on time, and aligned with business priorities.

What You'll Do

• Lead the development and execution of innovation projects included in the mid‑term and annual operating plans.
• Build and own the business case for innovations, including volume estimates and P&L, in partnership with Marketing, Trade Marketing, and Finance.
• Guide Benelux projects through all steps of the regional Stage & Gate process, ensuring alignment with key strategic indicators (profitability, sustainability, SKU rationalization, etc.).
• Lead cross‑functional innovation task forces (R&D, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Quality, and more) at both regional and international levels.
• Develop detailed retroplanning for each innovation and ensure on‑time market launch.
• Lead the Benelux innovation task force with local teams (Supply Chain, Sales, Visibility) to secure flawless execution ahead of launch.
• Validate local innovation projects with the Benelux leadership team prior to Stage & Gate submission.
• Follow and support renovation projects initiated by other business units, ensuring Benelux needs are represented and integrated.
• Lead the master data process for all Benelux innovation projects.
• Collaborate closely with the French portfolio management team and contribute to regional alignment.
• Act as an active member of the regional PPMO (R&D) team, driving improvements in project management processes, governance, tools, and templates.
• Work hand‑in‑hand with Marketing, Sales, Finance, Regulatory, Category Management, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless project delivery.

What's in it for you

• A pivotal role at the heart of innovation, shaping the future product pipeline for the Benelux market.
• The opportunity to lead high‑visibility projects with cross‑functional and international exposure.
• A dynamic, multicultural environment where collaboration and creativity are encouraged.
• The chance to influence processes, improve ways of working, and contribute to regional project management excellence.
• A role with significant strategic impact, balancing innovation, value creation, and sustainability.
• Professional growth in a fast‑changing, ambitious organization that values initiative and ownership.

What You need to be successful

• Proven experience delivering successful innovation projects, including value‑creation and sustainable packaging initiatives.
• Strong ability to build relationships across central marketing, local markets, and diverse cross‑functional teams.
• Affinity for working across different business models and cultures.
• Excellent project management skills and deep knowledge of Stage & Gate processes.
• Strong communication skills—both written and verbal—with the ability to influence and challenge stakeholders at all levels.
• Business proficiency in English and French; Dutch is a strong plus.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑changing environment and drive clarity amid complexity.
• Confidence to challenge senior stakeholders to ensure maximum business value.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% when needed.
• A proactive, autonomous mindset with a strong sense of ownership.

Our DEI Commitment

At Suntory, we recognize that diverse knowledge, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to our collective success. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals can bring their whole selves to work every day, regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or any other protected characteristic.

Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to highlight what Suntory offers as an employer while allowing candidates to share their unique skills and experiences. We understand that career trajectories vary, and if you believe your experience/background can benefit our team, we encourage you to apply. We endeavor to make our interview process as inclusive as possible and offer reasonable accommodations as needed. Together, we can cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive and propel our mission of Growing for Good.