Job Information
The Coca-Cola Company Director, Technical Innovation, South East Europe in Milano, Italy
Role Purpose
The Director Technical Innovation is accountable for leading complex, cross-functional commercialisation programs from feasibility through post-launch review within dedicated markets or category.
The Director Technical Innovation is accountable for the end-to-end execution of assigned product or packaging commercialisation projects within the allocated FU´s or category.
This position ensures commercial readiness, operational robustness and execution discipline.
The role focuses on delivery excellence within assigned project, operating under the portfolio governance and strategic direction defined by the Senior Director Innovations and the local market needs.
What you will do for us
End-to-End Commercialisation Leadership
Lead full lifecycle commercialisation programs for new products, packaging changes, renovations or line extensions.
Translate innovation pipeline commitments into executable project roadmaps.
Drive stage-gate discipline and structured milestone governance.
Ensure launch readiness aligned with commercial go-to-market timelines.
Project & Program Management Excellence
Establish and manage integrated project plans across Supply Chain, Technical, Quality, Procurement, Regulatory and Commercial teams.
Act as the single accountable project lead for assigned commercialisation initiatives.
Manage scope, timeline, risks, interdependencies, and resource allocation.
Ensure proactive risk mitigation and escalation where required.
Execution & Speed-to-Market
Secure alignment between market ambition and operational feasibility.
Coordinate plant trials, validation and capability ramp-up within compressed timelines.
Drive SKU complexity management and packaging transition planning.
Ensure post-launch performance monitoring and structured stabilisation.
Stakeholder & Bottler Interface
Partner closely with bottler project teams for local implementation.
Maintain strong communication cadence with cross-functional leadership.
Provide structured reporting within the governance framework defined by the Senior Director.
Qualification & Experience
5-8 years of experience in Technical Operations, R&D or Supply Chain.
Strong hands-on project leadership experience.
Experience in manufacturing processes.
Experience in connection with R&D functions.
Ability to manage complexity within a defined project scope.
Strong operational problem-solving skill
Adaptable and resilient, with a growth and continuous learning mindset; comfortable leading through ambiguity and change.
Proven ability to lead, coach and develop teams and individuals, fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, accountability and high performance.
Education
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, Science, Business Administration or a related field is required. An advanced degree is preferred; however, demonstrated leadership impact and relevant experience will be strongly valued.
Base salary - 307000 - 378000 Polish Zloty
Base pay offered may vary depending on geography location, job-related knowledge, skills and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position is offered.
Travel Requirements
- Up to 10-25 % travel, subject to business needs.
What We Offer
The opportunity to shape and lead the technical and supply chain agenda for a complex, high impact system.
Exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making.
A diverse, multicultural environment with strong growth and development opportunities.
The chance to drive meaningful impact across safety, sustainability, innovation and performance.
This role can be based in either Italy, Warsaw, Athens or Vienna.
Location(s):
Italy
City/Cities:
Milan
Travel Required:
00% - 25%
Relocation Provided:
No
Job Posting End Date:
April 21, 2026
Our Purpose and Growth Culture:
We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what's possible and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. We focus on four key behaviors - curious, empowered, inclusive and agile - and value how we work as much as what we achieve. We believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive after 130+ years. Visit Our Purpose and Vision (https://www.coca-colacompany.com/company/purpose-and-vision) to learn more about these behaviors and how you can bring them to life in your next role at Coca-Cola.
Annual Incentive Reference Value Percentage:30Annual Incentive reference value is a market-based competitive value for your role. It falls in the middle of the range for your role, indicating performance at target.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.