Ice Cream Innovation Engineering Associate Director

Job Title: Innovation Engineering Associate Director

Scope: End to end engineering process of innovations

Location: Factory or Remote based 30-40% Travel

Terms & Conditions: Fulltime

The Magnum Ice Cream Company (formerly a division of Unilever) is now a standalone, independent, EUR 7.9 billion publicly listed company. We’re on a mission to create the ultimate snacking company. A place where growth, innovation, founder and ownership mentality, and performance are cultivated and rewarded. And where we craft extraordinary ice cream experiences - transforming ordinary moments into lasting memories. Because we know, life tastes better with ice cream.

We dream big but keep things simple to act fast. If you want to grow with us, make an impact, and shape the future of Ice Cream, this is the place for you!

Job Purpose

The Innovation Engineering Associate Director leads the end-to-end engineering execution of new product and process innovation—from concept through commercialization. This role bridges R&D, Brand/Marketing, OEM partners, and Manufacturing to transform ideas into scalable, production-ready solutions. The position is responsible for designing processes, integrating emerging technologies, and driving vertical startup execution within the factory environment, while ensuring a seamless transition to site ownership through close partnership with local Factory Engineering Managers

Key Responsibilities

End-to-End Innovation Leadership
Own the engineering lifecycle of innovation projects from concept validation to full-scale production.
Translate early-stage concepts into manufacturable designs and scalable processes.
Establish technical feasibility, cost models, and timelines for new initiatives.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with R&D to refine product concepts and validate technical viability.
Collaborate with Brand/Marketing to ensure alignment with consumer needs and product positioning.
Interface with OEMs and external partners to source, evaluate, and integrate new technologies.
Act as the engineering liaison across all innovation stakeholders.
Technology Integration & Development
Identify, evaluate, and implement emerging technologies to enhance product or process innovation.
Lead pilot programs, prototyping, and proof-of-concept development.
Ensure solutions meet quality, regulatory, and performance standards.
Process Design & Scale-Up
Design and optimize manufacturing processes for new products.
Develop process flows, equipment specifications, and production layouts.
Drive efficiency, repeatability, and scalability in all process designs.
Vertical Startup Execution & Factory Integration
Lead vertical startups within the factory, ensuring seamless transition from development to production.
Coordinate installation, commissioning, and ramp-up of new equipment and processes.
Partner closely with the local Factory Engineering Manager throughout startup to ensure alignment with site standards, capabilities, and long-term ownership.
Define clear handoff criteria and transition plans, transferring process ownership, documentation, and performance accountability to the Factory Engineering team post-startup.
Provide on-site technical leadership during initial production runs to stabilize operations before full handoff.
Factory & OEM Trial Coordination
Plan, coordinate, and execute factory trials and OEM-based testing to validate new products, processes, and equipment.
Develop trial protocols, success criteria, and data collection methods.
Collaborate with OEMs and plant teams to schedule and execute trials with minimal disruption to operations.
Analyze trial results and translate findings into design or process improvements.
Ensure learnings are documented and incorporated into scale-up and commercialization plans.
Project & Program Management
Manage multiple innovation projects simultaneously with clear milestones and deliverables.
Track budgets, timelines, and resource allocation.
Communicate progress, risks, and outcomes to leadership.
Continuous Improvement
Capture learnings from innovation projects to improve future processes.
Drive a culture of experimentation, agility, and engineering excellence.
Implement best practices in design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for scalability (DFS).

What You Need To Succeed

Successful commercialization of innovation projects
Time-to-market reduction
Manufacturing efficiency and startup performance
Effectiveness of factory handoffs and sustained site ownership
Successful execution and learnings from factory and OEM trials
Adoption of new technologies
Cross-functional alignment and stakeholder satisfaction

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, or related field); Master’s preferred.
7+ years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, or product innovation.
Proven experience leading projects from concept through commercialization.
Experience working with OEMs and external technology partners.

Technical Skills

Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and equipment.
Experience with process design, automation, and scale-up.
Familiarity with emerging technologies and innovation methodologies.
Proficiency in project management tools and engineering software.

Key Competencies

- Innovation & Creativity
- Systems Thinking
- Execution & Accountability
- Collaboration & Influence
- Technical Depth & Curiosity

Leadership

Leadership & Soft Skills

Strong cross-functional leadership and communication skills.
Ability to operate in ambiguous, fast-paced innovation environments.
Problem-solving mindset with a bias toward action.
Skilled at influencing without direct authority.

What You Can Expect

This role is critical in turning ideas into reality—bridging the gap between innovation and execution. The Innovation Engineering Manager ensures that breakthrough concepts are not only viable but successfully launched, transferred, and sustained in real-world production environments through strong partnership with factory teams.
A unique mix of global scale & start-up spirit—€7.9 bn powerhouse with an agile, entrepreneurial mindset. We’re building a new high growth Ice Cream company from the ground up.
Career without limits—42 markets, international opportunities, and fast tracked growth.
A performance-driven culture—Freedom to act, disrupt and grow – your success is measured by impact.
A company that celebrates joy, innovation, and purpose—We create extraordinary careers, just like our ice cream creates extraordinary moments.

Pay: The pay range for this position is $146,200 to $219,400. The Magnum Ice Cream Company (TMICC) 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, licensure and certifications, qualifications and education, and other business and organizational needs.

Bonus: This position is bonus eligible.

Long-Term Incentive (LTI): This position is LTI eligible.

Benefits: TMICC employees are eligible to participate in our benefits plan. Should the employee choose to participate, they can choose from a range of benefits to include, but is not limited to, health insurance (including prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage), retirement savings benefits, life insurance and disability benefits, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, as well as access to numerous voluntary benefits. Any coverages for health insurance and retirement benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

#TMICC

About The Magnum Ice Cream Company

With 19.000 expert ice cream colleagues and iconic brands like Wall’s, Cornetto and Ben & Jerry’s, loved in 76 countries, we are the world’s largest Ice Cream company leading the industry We have been taking pleasure seriously for more than 100 years, serving happiness with every lick or scoop of ice cream for generations.

About

The Magnum Ice Cream Company (formerly part of Unilever) is all about growth. Growing our business. Growing our customers’ businesses. Growing our people’s careers. Growth begins with empowerment. So we free our people to be innovative, responsible entrepreneurs, driven and equipped to give our consumers more amazing products and unforgettable moments – and having fun doing it. Here’s what defines success in our organization :

We are all about growth
We operate with speed and simplicity
We win together with fun
We boldly innovate to disrupt our industry
We care and challenge
We are experts in the Ice Cream Category

ARE YOU EXCITED TO CRAFT THE ICE CREAM FUTURE?

Please apply online and do not forget to upload your CV. Your application will be reviewed against the requirements, and we will be in touch shortly after the closing date, with an update on the status of your application.

The Magnum Ice Cream Company is an organization committed to diversity and inclusion to drive our business results and create a better future every day for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

For more information about your Federal rights, please see Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal and Pay Transparency Non discrimination Provision.

Employment is subject to verification of pre-screening tests, which may include drug screening, background check, credit check and DMV check.

If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance at any time during our recruitment process, please contact your recruiter. Please note: This email is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and is not a means of inquiry about positions or application statuses. The Protected Veterans or Individuals with Disabilities AAP narratives are available for inspection by any employee or applicant for employment Monday through Friday during normal business hours at establishment.

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