About the Role
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The position plays a key role in shaping and driving the R&D and innovation strategy, with a strong focus on developing sustainable, high-performing, and cost-effective product solutions. The role is responsible for translating consumer and market needs into innovative concepts, identifying new technologies and external innovation opportunities, and ensuring the successful transfer of technical solutions into manufacturing.
What You’ll Do
- Define and drive a sustainable global product strategy focused on continuous innovation, product performance, quality enhancement, and cost optimization.
- Collaborate with IMU to define product briefs and lead strategic innovation projects, ensuring market-ready solutions that meet consumer needs.
- Identify and implement emerging technologies by leveraging scientific literature, patents, market insights, industry conferences, and open innovation networks.
- Execute patent strategies to ensure freedom to operate, protect intellectual property, and identify licensing opportunities.
- Facilitate the transfer of technical knowledge, innovations, and product specifications to regional R&D teams and manufacturing facilities.
- Partner with IMU, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Legal, Market Research, and global and regional R&D teams to deliver business objectives.
- Build strategic collaborations with suppliers, startups, manufacturers, research institutions, and other innovation partners.
- Represent at scientific conferences, industry committees, and professional forums, strengthening reputation as an innovation leader.
- Initiate and lead cost-saving and Design-to-Value initiatives while maintaining product quality and performance.
- Lead, coach, and develop the R&D team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Monitor departmental expenditures and ensure effective management of annual budgets and cost centers.
- Ensure all departmental activities comply with guidelines, quality management systems, safety standards, and applicable legal regulations.
What Makes You a Good Fit
- 5-7 years of relevant professional experience in R&D, Product Development, Innovation, Regulatory Affairs, or a related technical function, preferably within a multinational or manufacturing environment.
- Strong expertise in Regulatory Affairs, including regulatory requirements, industry standards, and compliance frameworks.
- Demonstrated experience in sustainability management, integrating sustainability principles into product development and innovation strategies.
- Proven experience leading innovation and product development projects, including technology transfer and implementation within manufacturing environments.
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, with experience working across R&D, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Legal, Marketing, and other business functions.
- Proven ability to work effectively with global and remote teams, including influencing and leading stakeholders without direct or solid-line reporting relationships.
- Experience engaging and building relationships with external partners, suppliers, startups, governmental bodies, regulatory authorities, and industry associations.
- Strong stakeholder management, project management, communication, influencing, and presentation skills, with the ability to operate effectively across different functions, cultures, and seniority levels.
