Associate Director, Consumer & Product Insights - Exclusive

EMEA Recruitment has partnered with an international manufacturing company in its search for an Associate Director, Consumer & Product Insights in Belgium.

Our client is a leading global consumer products manufacturer with a strong international footprint across Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America.

The business places significant emphasis on innovation, consumer understanding, product performance, and long-term growth, serving millions of consumers across multiple markets.

Role Overview

In this role, you'll serve as the regional leader for Europe, Africa, and Asia, responsible for translating consumer insights, technical expertise, and business priorities into clear product strategies, innovation roadmaps, and market-facing communications.

This is a senior R&D leadership position that works closely with commercial leadership, global R&D, manufacturing, supply chain, product stewardship, marketing, and finance teams. The successful candidate will help shape regional innovation priorities while ensuring alignment with global strategies.
 

Key responsibilities of the Associate Director, Consumer & Product Insights:

• Lead consumer and product insights activities across Europe, Africa, and Asia, helping shape product and innovation strategies
• Partner with commercial, technical, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to translate consumer needs into successful products and market initiatives
• Drive innovation programmes from concept through execution, ensuring alignment with regional business priorities
• Monitor consumer, market, technology, sustainability, and regulatory trends to identify growth opportunities and risks
• Develop clear, evidence-based product claims and communication strategies that support brand positioning
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, simplifying complex technical information into actionable business recommendations.
• Lead and develop an international team, fostering collaboration, capability building, and high performance

Candidate requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline; advanced degree preferred
• 10+ years of experience in Product Management, Consumer Insights, Innovation, R&D, or a related technical leadership function
• Proven track record leading complex, multi-market innovation programmes within manufacturing, consumer products, electronics, or similar industries
• Strong people leadership experience, including managing geographically dispersed teams
• Ability to combine technical expertise with commercial thinking and strategic decision-making
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders
• Professional proficiency in Dutch and English, with willingness to travel internationally

EMEA Recruitment is committed to promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the workplace. We act as a neutral third party in the recruitment process, basing our candidate searches on skills and experience. We welcome all applications regardless of age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.