Development Center Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION R&D DEVELOPMENT CENTER MANAGER

About the Role

The R&D Development Center Manager leads packaging development and innovation for Fast Moving Consumer Goods customers across the full project lifecycle, from concept through to industrial launch. Based across two sites in France, Besançon and La Genête, the role manages a small specialist team and operates in a cross-functional environment alongside commercial, operations, quality and procurement teams. Travel of approximately 10–15% is required, mainly within France and occasionally across Europe.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the packaging development and innovation pipeline from concept through to industrial validation and commercial launch
• Manage the development centre team, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality standards
• Partner with commercial, operations, quality, procurement and customer teams to develop manufacturable, cost-effective and sustainable packaging solutions
• Act as a key technical partner to Fast Moving Consumer Goods customers, managing plant trials, scale-up and handover to production
• Drive sustainability initiatives including recyclable designs and post-consumer recycled content, while ensuring compliance with food contact material regulations

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Packaging Technology or a related field
• 5 to 10+ years of experience in packaging development or a related technical role
• Proven people leadership and project portfolio management experience in an R&D environment
• Solid technical background in plastic packaging development — hands-on knowledge of injection moulding, injection compression, in-mould labelling automation, decoration or materials is essential. Experience in thin wall packaging specifically is strongly encouraged
• Experience working with Fast Moving Consumer Goods customers and managing cross-functional industrialisation processes
• Knowledge of food contact materials regulations and packaging compliance requirements
• Experience in sustainability and circular economy packaging solutions is a strong plus