Ice Cream Innovation Engineering Associate Director

The Magnum Ice Cream Company

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

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

Requirements

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.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Engineering

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Manage multiple innovation projects simultaneously with clear milestones and deliverables.
Track budgets, timelines, and resource allocation.
Communicate progress, risks, and outcomes to leadership.
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).