Royal Canin
Senior R&D Innovation Lead (H/F/X)
Aimargues, Francia
Everything we do is driven by our passion for pets. Across every role and every location around the world, our teams are united by a shared purpose: creating A Better World For Pets. As a truly pet-centric company, we put pets at the heart of everything—from the products we create to the care and expertise we bring to our work. Whether you’re in R&D, manufacturing, customer care, or any of the corporate functions, your contributions make a direct impact on the health of pets everywhere. We’re also deeply committed to the growth and development of our associates, offering opportunities to learn, innovate, and make a difference every day.
- Job Type: varies
- Level: mid-level
- Travel: varies
- Average Salary: $63K-$96K
Success Profile
What makes a successful Senior R&D Innovation Lead (H/F/X) at Royal Canin? We look for the right mix of the following traits when speaking with you.
- Analytical
- Curious
- Efficient
- Responsible
- Results-driven
- Team player
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Purpose
Connect your passion for pets to the purpose: A Better World For Pets
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Health & Wellbeing
A comprehensive focus on your individual health & wellbeing
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Inclusion
A place where you can belong and be yourself
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Career development
Professional learning offerings, annual personal development plans, Mars University
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Attractive total rewards
Your financial wellbeing through a competitve salary and bonus plan
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Focus on sustainability
We invest in you so you can make a better world
What I love most about Royal Canin is how pet-centric we are—everything we do revolves around improving the lives of pets. It’s not just about creating high-quality products; it’s about living our purpose every day. At the same time, Royal Canin invests in us as associates, helping us grow, develop our skills, and find real meaning in our work. It’s inspiring to be part of a global team that prioritizes both pet health and personal development.
Christina Sermak-Frankowski People & Organization Director, Learning & Culture
Senior R&D Innovation Lead (H/F/X) – Product Innovation for Cat & Dog Health
Location: Aimargues (South of France)
Company: Royal Canin – Mars Inc.
Contract: CDI – Permanent
Are you passionate about transforming the health of cats and dogs through innovative nutritional solutions? Join Royal Canin’s R&D team as a Senior R&D Innovation Lead and help us create the future of pet health!
We’re looking for a creative innovator who wants to make a real difference in pet health. As a Senior R&D Innovation Lead, you will lead the development of new nutritional solutions that improve longevity and quality of life for cats and dogs. You will design and validate products and services, working closely with teams across Royal Canin and with external partners.
What we are looking for:
- Master’s degree in food processing, biology, or chemistry (pet nutrition focus preferred).
- 5+ years’ experience managing complex projects.
- Experience in product and packaging design
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt in a fast-changing environment.
- Strong skills in managing ambiguity and driving innovation.
- Knowledge of pet nutrition is a plus.
- Fluency in English both written and spoken.
Key Responsibilities
- Discover insights and opportunities to shape new products for cats and dogs.
- Lead design thinking sessions to create innovative nutritional solutions.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external partners (start-ups, manufacturers) to develop and test new ideas.
- Ensure products are technically feasible and ready for global launch.
- Work with Marketing, Regulatory, and R&D teams to bring ideas to life.
- Support and mentor product developers in nutrition and food science.
What can you expect from Mars?
- You will work in a multicultural environment (more than 40 nationalities) and where your dog will be welcomed by more than 100 other Associates’ dogs at the office!
- You will work in a unique campus, which gathers more than 800 Associates working for: the international HQ, the French subsidiary, two laboratories, a kennel and a cattery with more than 200 cats & dogs, and finally the most important factory of the Royal Canin group
- Since 2015, no waste to landfill is made by the 16 Royal Canin factories in the world
- All Royal Canin products manufactured in Europe are ISO 14001 certified from design to factory gate
Ready to help us transform pet health through nutrition?
Apply today and be part of a team that’s shaping the future for cats and dogs!
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