Role brief
About vly We are vly. We develop plant-based alternatives to dairy products with superior nutritional values – scientifically founded rather than hype. Our milk alternatives made from pea protein and yogurt alternatives made from fava bean protein are available in over 10,000 stores in Germany (including dm, REWE, EDEKA, Kaufland). The Role "Make products people love" – as Head of Product & Innovation, you are responsible for our entire product development from idea to shelf. You lead a team of 7 people across three functions – Development, Product Management, and Research – report directly to Nicolas, co-founder & CEO, and are part of vly's leadership team. What makes this role special: Own laboratory including pilot plant: We produce our prototypes ourselves – UHT milk alternatives as well as fermented yogurt alternatives – in our own laboratory in Berlin-Mitte End-to-end product ownership: From seed to consumer interaction. 20% of our business is D2C – consumer feedback in days rather than months, through systematic interviews, A/B tastings, and a tester community with over 3,000 members. Pioneer position in plant-based proteins & fermentation: The first yogurt made from fava bean protein came from us. Our research function advances fermentation and protein science together with partner universities. For example, we have patented our own starter cultures for fermentation. Your Tasks Development: You are responsible for developing excellent, nutrient-rich products from idea to market readiness – including laboratory, pilot plant, and sensory analysis. You establish rapid prototyping and fast feedback cycles as standard working practice. Product Management: You structure our product roadmap, prioritize the portfolio, and establish clear, binding project management. Research: You direct our research into fermentation, protein science, and new ingredients – including collaborations with partner universities and securing public grants. Leadership: You lead and develop the three functions with currently 7 employees and represent Product & Innovation in the leadership team. Your Benefits Become part of our mission: Help transform the food industry. Make it healthier, more sustainable, and more ethical. A fascinating industry – dairy products are found in almost every household, oat milk and blood sugar are omnipresent on social networks, and the importance of health is constantly increasing. Shaping power: Leadership team role with direct access to the founders – your decisions shape the product portfolio. Team & Culture: Regular vly-Days and offsites; freshly cooked team lunch daily from our own vly chef. Mobility & Fitness: Subsidy for the Deutschland-Ticket and USC membership. vly-Flatrate: As much vly as you want. What We're Looking For Passion for food: You instinctively flip products over in the supermarket, read ingredient lists and nutritional tables, and understand what makes a good product. Product Leadership: 5+ years of leadership experience in R&D / product development, ideally with team building in a startup or scale-up environment. FoodTech Expertise: Deep knowledge of food technology and plant-based proteins; experience with fermentation and/or structured experimental design. Consumer Focus: You think from the end consumer's perspective – ideally with experience in qualitative & quantitative consumer research, consumer testing, and sensory analysis. Clarity & Focus: Excellent prioritization; direct, precise communication. Drive: Energy and resilience at scale-up pace. Languages & Location: Very good German, good English. Home base Berlin; at least 3 days/week in office/laboratory, the rest flexible. [Auto-translated from German]