R&D DIRECTOR

To lead the global R&D organization of the company.
Finding the right balance between risk and innovation.
Creating and maintaining agile innovation processes so the company can smoothly adjust to market changes.
Going beyond perceived boundaries to pursue innovation.
Learning from other industries and finding ways to apply those lessons to your own innovation operation.
Partnering with third party innovation collaborators such as other vendors.
Establishing metrics to measure innovation.
Responsibilities
STRATEGY:
- To define the global (including regional) innovation strategy in order to grow the business in line with the business strategy.
- To deliver on this innovation strategy through a portfolio of R&D projects that address the identified technology/product needs and challenges in a timely manner.
- To contribute to the business unit strategy by active participation to the business units across the organisation.
R&D/INNOVATION:
- Develops and maintains a deep expertise of the technology of the business and its application in all relevant market segments.
- Ensures a systematic operation of the R&D team members globally and compliance with regional/local and company environmental and safety regulations.
- Sets and delivers on the innovation strategy in line with the business strategy. Defines and drives the research and product development projects needed to meet the market needs of market & customers.
- Ensures all projects are well documented in our stage gate innovation process and meeting their defined stage gate timeline.
- Evaluates and acts upon opportunities for patents and ensures IP is protected at all times.
- Ensures support and technical expertise to Manufacturing, Sales and Marketing teams, during the scale-up and introduction of new products/processes.
LEADERSHIP/TEAMWORK
- Provides effective leadership of cross functional project teams to deliver on projects within the agreed budget and timeline.
- Leads, motivates & develops, focusing on further advancing competencies & expertise.
- Actively participates in internal business and marketing meetings, external customer meetings and ensures presence at trade shows and conferences.