R&D Expert Center Manager - Mellrichstadt

DIVISION: RPSI
FUNCTION: Research & Development CPI
JOB TITLE: R&D Development Center Manager
REPORTING TO: R&D Expert Center Manager and, in his absence, to the R&D Cluster Head

LOCATION: Mellrichstadt, Germany - Onsite

Scope: 

The Deputy R&D Expert Center Manager will support (lead in absence) the strategic direction and operational excellence of the R&D Expert Center, with a focus on new product design. They will possess advanced knowledge and skills in relevant product platforms, ensuring high levels of expertise are available for support. The role involves designing and validating project briefs to meet all necessary standards and requirements, identifying and delivering on customer and competitive needs with an emphasis on cost innovation, superiority, and sustainability. Additionally, the manager will ensure the proper handover to the Development Centers for the implementation process.

About the team: 

The R&D Innovation & Sustainability team within the division of RSPI is composed of experienced professionals dedicated to advancing the company´s innovation and sustainability goals. With allocations in multiple geographies having expertise across Healthcare, Homecare, Food, Beverage, Beauty and Wellness; with focus on:

1. Sustainability: Implement and scale sustainable business practices across operations and value chain, focusing on reducing environmental impact while maximizing circularity and enhancing value creation.
2. Product Innovation: Creating new and improved packaging designs that meet the evolving needs of customers across various industries.
3. Cost Innovation: Value creation by reducing the costs associated with producing or delivering a product or service, while maintaining or improving its quality and performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support and in absence of the expert center manager Lead and manage the R&D Expert Center, ensuring alignment with the company’s innovation and sustainability objectives.
• Managing projects from the initial concept through to industrialization
• Support in developing and implement strategic plans for the expert center, focusing on Market demands, strategic growth spaces defined by sales, product and sites to serve CPI 2028.
• Oversee the execution of R&D projects in the early-stage gate process phase, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Report evaluations to Project & Portfolio Manager in the cluster.
• Focus on H2/H3 Development need to transform and innovate on the product related center of expertise.
• Conduct all preliminary qualifications necessary to confirm the feasibility for industrialization including risk assessment and prepare the required documentation for handover to the development centers, when applicable.
• Foster a collaborative environment, working closely with cross-functional teams across Healthcare, Homecare, Food, Beverage, Beauty, and Wellness sectors.
• Stay abreast of emerging products and industry trends to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners, including academic institutions, research organizations, and technology providers.
• Support/Assist in managing the allocation of resources and oversee the expert center’s budget.
• Prepare and present technical reports, proposals, and presentations to senior management and stakeholders.
• Promoting a culture of excellence and continuous learning.

Key performance indicators:

1. Number of innovative products or processes developed in H2/H3 stages.
2. Percentage of R&D projects completed on time and within budget.
3. Quality assessment scores of completed projects.
4. Success rate of preliminary qualifications confirming feasibility for industrialization.
5. Timeliness and accuracy for handover to development centers.
6. Efficiency in resource allocation and budget management.
7. Employee satisfaction and engagement scores within the expert center.

Qualifications:

• German language proficiency at the C1 level or higher.
• Bachelor’s, Master’s degree or Technical degree after the apprenticeship in a relevant field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in Projektmanagement, with at least 2 years in a managerial role.

• Proven track record of supporting/leading successful R&D projects and contributing to high-performing teams.

• Strong knowledge of advanced technology and sustainability principles.
• Excellent, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Experience in the Healthcare, Homecare, Food, Beverage, Beauty, or Wellness sectors is highly desirable.