Senior Manager, Nutrition & Scientific Affairs

Senior Manager, Nutrition & Scientific Affairs

The Senior Manager, Nutrition & Scientific Affairs will play a critical role in translating robust, evidence-based nutrition science into credible, differentiated brand strategies that drive business growth in the U.S. market. This role sits at the intersection of science, brand, regulatory, and external advocacy, and requires strong expertise in nutrition science alongside exceptional cross-functional leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills.

Build Competitive Nutrition Science Strategy and Assets to Support Brand Credibility and Growth

• Ensure a consistent deployment of Danone's Nutrition Standards and Health and Nutrition related policies, in line with our Danone Impact Journey KPIs and Danone's overall mission.
• Monitor health & nutrition trends and provide science-based opportunities and insights brand innovation pipelines and strategy.
• Partner with brand, R&I, and cross-functional teams to embed nutrition science into brand strategies that drive growth and differentiation.
• Translate complex scientific evidence into clear, credible, consumer-relevant messaging, and build competitive nutrition and communication assets that strengthen product positioning and support commercial success.
• Engage with cross-functional partners during messaging and asset development to ensure responsible marketing communication principles are adhered to across varying Danone brands.

Evidence Translation and Scientific Claim Substantiation

• Translate global science, clinical evidence, and nutrition frameworks into actionable insights tailored to the U.S. market landscape.
• Provide expert guidance on emerging claim areas to support innovation and renovation and collaborate with R&I and global scientific teams to identify evidence gaps for the U.S. and shape research priorities. Monitor emerging scientific trends and identify potential product and claim white spaces or opportunities across Danone's Health Benefit Platform framework.
• Develop claims substantiation dossiers for differentiated health and nutrition claims that are aligned with brand objectives while maintaining scientific integrity. Partner closely with Brand Marketing, R&I, SI&A, UX, Regulatory and Legal throughout claim development to ensure that substantiated claims drive growth and for brands.
• Monitor competitive claims landscape to identify risks and opportunities for differentiation.
• Ensure all external-facing communications are grounded in robust, credible science and withstand external scrutiny.

External Advocacy & Health Care Practitioner Engagement

• Assist in building and managing strategic advocacy plans to strengthen credibility with key external stakeholders, including healthcare practitioners (HCPs), scientific experts, and professional organizations.
• Participation and management of Danone presence at key nutrition and medical conferences, including exhibit attendance, interact with stakeholders and communicate brand messages.
• Support development of science-based content and messaging for external communication channels, including media and professional platforms.
• Identify, initiate, recruit and manage network and consultations with KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders), HCPs, KOF (Key Opinion Formers) and DOLs (Digital Opinion Leaders) in relevant strategic areas related to nutrition and health.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the external food, health and nutrition landscape in the U.S., and act as a subject matter expert, ensuring that internal teams are kept up to date on evolving topics in nutrition topics
• Conduct HCPs insights studies and surveys and interpret data to understand levels of knowledge and recommendation of Danone brands.
• Select and manage nutrition agencies and freelancers, as necessary.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Matrix Collaboration

• Lead and influence across a highly matrixed organization, ensuring strong alignment among Brand Marketing, R&I, Regulatory, Legal, and Communications teams
• Serve as a trusted scientific advisor to internal stakeholders, enabling effective, evidence-based decision-making.
• Drive execution of complex, cross-functional projects with strong project and stakeholder management discipline.
• Build collaborative relationships that foster trust, alignment, and shared accountability across teams.
• Navigate ambiguity and competing priorities while maintaining focus on strategic objectives and timelines.
• Share and leverage nutrition best practices within the global network of Danone.
• Assist with the development of educational materials aimed at upskilling Danone marketing, commercial and sales teams in key areas of nutrition and health.

The salary range for this position is $118,000-169,000 USD. The exact salary offered will depend on several factors, including the candidate's relevant experience, geographic location, internal equity, and market conditions. Danone North America additionally offers a performance-based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options. To give our employees flexibility, Danone is a hybrid work environment. This role is considered a "hybrid" position that allows for flexible work, meaning it is a role where collaboration with key stakeholders in Danone Hubs occurs. While you may have the option to work from home on a schedule as agreed to with your supervisor, you are also expected to regularly report to your assigned office location at least 3 days per week.

Qualifications and Experience

• Registered Dietitian with 6+ years of experience in nutrition science, scientific affairs, or related roles within the food, nutrition, or healthcare industry.
• Advanced degree in Nutrition, Nutritional Sciences, Dietetics, Public Health, or related scientific field
• Familiarity with U.S. regulatory frameworks (e.g., FDA, FTC) and nutrition policy landscape.
• Experience with development of scientific claims substantiation for the U.S market, nutrition science translation, and evidence-based communication. Strong understanding of clinical research design and interpretation.
• Proven experience working in matrixed organizations with strong cross-functional leadership and influence skills.
• Demonstrated success in healthcare practitioner engagement and external advocacy strategy development.
• Strong project management and stakeholder management capabilities, with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate science into impactful messaging.

Travel time: up to approximately 30%