Research and Development Director (Divisie Fibres Wielsbeke)

A new challenge?
Do you have 5+ years of experience in product development and do you hold a Master’s degree in science chemistry (or similar)? Then your next career move may be with us!

Main responsibilities and key tasks:

• Lead an R&D innovation and technology team, within the Fibres Division (Industrial and Hygiene Fibres) in order to create long term sustainable competitive advantage.
• Develop and implement the strategic and operational R&D plan for realizing the innovation roadmap and pipeline within the division in close cooperation with the management and RED.
• Lead the process to define, select and execute projects from idea generation, screening, development and concept phase up to prototype and launch to ensure a smooth market introduction.
• Create and drive a collaborative climate across multiple sites to achieve the division business and functional goals. Drive effective collaboration within the team with the mindset to drive customer and market relevant innovation. Work closely together with sales, manufacturing and RED divisions.
• Build an organization structure and B.I.G. team culture that attracts and retains top technical talent and drives innovation. Ensures that all projects are staffed appropriately and resources are maintained and sufficient to complete project objectives, using also the group’s resources in order to maximize & speed up value creation.
• Establish strong relationships with R&D Directors of our main customers. Have and demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset in leveraging innovation to challenge the status quo and address customer needs in new ways that create value for the division and its market.
• Identify and drive effective collaboration with external partners where strategic competencies do not need to reside in-house.
• You will report to the General Manager of the Division and lead a team of 6 engineers.

• Master in Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Material Science or equivalent required.
• 5 + years of professional experience with product development activities and commercialization.
• Experience with managing a team in a R&D setting
• Strong hands on technical leadership skills with a track record of delivering new products to the market.
• Ability to mentor technical and cross functional team members.
• Strong collaboration skills with external and internal partners.
• Experience with Fibres.
• Travel is expected up to 25% of the time.(Europe)
• Office based in Wielsbeke

• English, Dutch

• We offer you an opportunity to lead, develop and grow in the global exiting world of Fibres.
• We are proud of the new solutions we develop together with our customers. We are proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility.
• Your energy, accountability and commitment are therefore appreciated by means of a competitive salary with many fringe benefits.