Group innovation manager - extrusion

Michael Page; Firenze; On-site; EUR 68,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page is recruiting for a senior role focused on defining and deploying the Group Innovation Strategy within the packaging sector. The role prioritizes market insights, sustainability, and collaboration with customers and internal teams across regions to drive strategic initiatives.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in flexible packaging, extrusion technologies, and managing innovation programs in international, matrix organizations.

Qualifications

• Strong technical background in extrusion technologies and packaging materials.
• Experience in innovation, product development, technical marketing or cross-functional roles.
• Proven track record of translating market needs into actionable innovation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Define and deploy the Group Innovation Strategy and governance of the portfolio.
• Identify trends and translate insights into innovation opportunities and roadmaps.
• Ensure local activities align with broader business objectives and act as an innovation partner for customers.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Market trend analysis

Innovation management

Cross-functional collaboration

Customer engagement

Education

Master's Degree in Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Packaging Engineering

Job description

• Support the definition and deployment of the Group Innovation Strategy.
• Identify emerging market trends, customer expectations and technology developments relevant to the flexible packaging industry.
• Translate market and customer insights into innovation opportunities and strategic initiatives.
• Contribute to the prioritization and governance of the innovation portfolio across the Group.
• Ensure alignment between local innovation activities and broader business objectives.
• Act as a strategic innovation partner for key customers.
• Engage with customers to understand future needs, market dynamics and sustainability challenges.
• Translate customer requirements into innovation roadmaps and development priorities.
• Support commercial teams in innovation-driven customer discussions and strategic projects.
• Facilitate collaboration between customers and internal technical teams to accelerate innovation initiatives.

Stakeholder Management & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Connect and coordinate local Innovation Experts across different sites and regions.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and the transfer of ideal practices throughout the organization.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across Sales, Operations,Sustainability, Engineering, Procurement, Marketing and Quality.
• Act as a bridge between local teams and Group functions, ensuring alignment and collaboration.
• Influence decision-making through technical expertise, business understanding and effective communication.

Technology & Innovation Ecosystem

• Monitor industry developments, competitive activities and emerging technologies.
• Build relationships with suppliers, research institutes, universities and innovation partners.
• Evaluate new technologies, materials and solutions that can strengthen the Group's competitive position.
• Promote innovation opportunities related to sustainability, circular economy and future regulatory requirements.

Innovation Governance & Performance

• Support a structured and scalable innovation management process across the organization.
• Monitor innovation initiatives, milestones and outcomes.
• Contribute to innovation reporting, KPI definition and performance tracking.
• Ensure innovation efforts are translated into measurable business impact.

Candidate Profile

Education

Master's Degree in Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, PolymerScience, Packaging Engineering or a related technical discipline.

Professional Experience

• Minimum 8 years of experience within flexible packaging, film extrusion or closely related polymer-processing industries.
• Strong technical background in extrusion technologies and packaging materials.
• Experience in innovation, product development, technical marketing,application development or similar cross-functional roles.
• Proven track record of working with customers and translating market needs into innovation initiatives.
• Experience operating within international and matrix organizations.
• Exposure to sustainability-driven innovation and packaging regulations is highlydesirable.

Our client is a leading international player in the packaging industry, combining manufacturing excellence, technological innovation and sustainability-driven development. With a strong presence across European markets, the company collaborates with global customers to deliver high-performance and future-oriented packaging solutions.

• Competitive salary ranging from €68,000 to €72,000 per annum.
• Opportunity to take on a strategic role within the industrial and manufacturing sector.
• Chance to spearhead innovation and contribute to the company's growth.