Key Skills

Job Description

In short Take the lead in international innovation at Kekkilä-BVB and shape the substrate solutions professional horticulture will rely on tomorrow. What you will do As Innovation Director at Kekkilä-BVB, you set the strategic direction for innovation in an international organisation that is very much on the move. You turn market developments, customer needs and new technologies into products and solutions that succeed commercially. You lead the innovation organisation and report directly to the Group CEO. Horticulture is changing fast. Global demand for substrates is rising, environmental requirements are tightening, and the shift towards alternative, circular raw materials calls for a different way of innovating. That is why Kekkilä-BVB is moving its focus from raw-material research to market-driven innovation, with customer value and commercial applicability at the core. In this strategic leadership role, you own: Innovation strategy: You build and deliver an innovation and product development strategy with a three- to five-year horizon, aligned with the international business strategy. Product and market development: You spot new market opportunities and turn them into innovative substrate solutions, product concepts and circular raw materials for greenhouse horticulture, soft fruit, vegetable and mushroom cultivation, among others. Innovation portfolio: You set priorities, steer innovation projects and put a structured Idea-to-Market process in place, so that promising innovations actually reach the market. Leadership and change: You lead the innovation organisation, including the research laboratories in De Lier and Venlo, and guide the shift towards a more commercial, market-focused innovation culture. Collaboration and partnerships: You connect R&D, product management, sales and external partners. You build relationships with knowledge institutes, universities and other innovation partners, and create internal support for new developments. What you bring You are a strategic, entrepreneurial innovation leader who knows how to link technological developments to commercial opportunities. You look beyond existing products and markets, and you have what it takes to turn new ideas into tangible business results. You combine vision with the drive to execute. You are not afraid to challenge the way things are done, and you know how to bring people along through change. When new ideas meet resistance, you stay focused on results and you stay convincing. A completed university degree (Master’s level), preferably in plant sciences, horticulture, chemistry, biology, technology or a related field. Extensive experience in innovation, R&D, product development and business development in an international setting, ideally in professional controlled-environment cultivation. Knowledge of substrates and plant sciences is a plus. A proven track record in successfully commercialising innovations and managing innovation portfolios and multidisciplinary projects. Strong leadership, commercial insight and the ability to bring different disciplines and external partners together. You are entrepreneurial, independent, structured and change-oriented, with an interest in applying AI and digital technology. Excellent command of English. Good command of Dutch is strongly preferred, given the close collaboration with Dutch knowledge institutes and partners. You are willing to travel internationally when the role requires it. About the company Kekkilä-BVB is a leading international producer and developer of substrates and growing media for professional horticulture, retail, the consumer market and landscaping. The company supplies products and solutions to customers in more than 100 countries and plays a key role in developing sustainable, efficient growing systems. With a turnover of over € 300 million and more than 500 employees, Kekkilä-BVB holds a strong international position. The organisation operates from several European countries and has four business areas: Central Europe, Nordics, Global and Materials. Substrate production takes place mainly in the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden and Estonia. Kekkilä-BVB is part of the Finnish Neova Group. Innovation, responsible use of raw materials and future-proof horticultural solutions sit at the heart of the organisation. The international substrate market is changing fundamentally, driven by growing demand for sustainable alternatives to peat, technological developments and the changing needs of professional growers. To further strengthen its market position, Kekkilä-BVB is investing in a more market-driven approach to innovation, one that deliberately connects scientific knowledge, technological development and commercial market insight. The new Innovation Director has a clear mission: to shape this development and position the innovation organisation as a driver of future growth. What we offer A strategic leadership position in an international organisation with a strong position in the global substrate and horticulture market. A direct reporting line to the Group CEO, and real influence on Kekkilä-BVB’s innovation agenda and future market position. Responsibility for an international innovation organisation, with room to develop new product concepts, partnerships and commercial opportunities. A full-time role based in De Lier or Venlo, working where technology, sustainability and international business development meet. Interested? Let’s talk! This search is handled exclusively by Green People Executive Search. Want to know more about the role, or explore whether it fits you? Please contact for a more detailed job description: Jos van Kleef – Director [email protected] +31 6 54795926 Else van den Beukel – Managing Partner / Senior Consultant [email protected] +31 6 12299502 All responses will be treated in strict confidence.

Core Responsibilities

Set and deliver the international innovation and product development strategy, identify market opportunities, and guide innovations from concept to commercial launch. Lead the innovation organisation and laboratories, build a market-focused culture, and connect internal teams with external research and industry partners.

Requirements

A master’s-level university degree is preferred, along with extensive international experience in innovation, R&D, product development, and business development; experience in professional controlled-environment cultivation is ideal. Candidates should have a record of commercializing innovations, strong leadership and commercial skills, excellent English, and preferably good Dutch; knowledge of substrates and plant sciences is an advantage.