Senior Project Manager R&I

AFA Dispensing Group; Eindhoven; Hybrid; EUR 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company laptop

Mobile phone

Performance-based bonus

Vacation 30 days

Job summary

AFA Dispensing Group is seeking a seasoned Project Manager for its Research & Innovation (R&I) team in Eindhoven. You will lead cross-disciplinary projects, translate research insights into market-ready dispensing solutions, and report to the R&I Director within a global organization.

You will work with engineers, researchers and designers to ensure alignment, manage scope and budgets, and support IP management while driving structured progress across the portfolio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Innovation Management, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in an international, multidisciplinary environment.
• Proven track record in managing creative product development or technology innovation projects.
• Strong communicator who enjoys collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Hands-on, curious, and proactive with structured project delivery.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).
• Interest in packaging, dispensing, and product innovation.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to AFA, suppliers or clients’ location.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate innovation and product development projects from concept to pilot phase.
• Implement tools and methods to bring new capabilities within R&I’s scope.
• Guide the team translating research outcomes and market insights into actionable products.
• Collaborate with engineers, researchers, designers and clients for cross-functional alignment.
• Manage scope, timelines, budgets and deliverables aligned with strategic goals.
• Ensure seamless handover of validated products to Operations and Business Development.
• Support IP management on tasks and documentation related to projects as IP gatekeeper.
• Drive reporting and progress tracking within the R&I portfolio.
• Present project results and recommendations to senior stakeholders and leadership.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Innovation management

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Innovation Management, or related field

Job description

At AFA, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. As Project Manager within our Research & Innovation (R&I) team, you will lead creative, cross-disciplinary projects that shape the future of AFA’s technologies and products. You’ll play a key role in connecting technology, design, and business — turning ideas and prototypes into scalable, market-ready solutions. In this role, you’ll work closely with engineers, researchers and designers to translate insights into real innovations in dispensing systems. You will report directly to the Research & Innovation Director and operate as part of AFA’s global R&I organization, bridging creativity, science, and market needs.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate innovation and product development projects — from early concept to pilot phase.
• Implement tools and methods to bring new capabilities and improvement related to project management throughout AFA’s stage gate process, but most particularly within R&I’s scope.
• Guide the project team with translating research outcomes and market insights into actionable new products for AFA portfolio.
• Work closely with AFA’s engineers, researchers, designers and clients, to ensure cross-functional alignment.
• Manage project scope, timelines, budgets and deliverables in line with strategic goals.
• Ensure seamless handover of validated products to Operations and Business Development.
• Support IP (patent) management on tasks and documentation related to projects, by being the IP gatekeeper and safeguarding innovation value.
• Drive structured reporting and progress tracking within the R&I portfolio.
• Present project results and recommendations to senior stakeholders and leadership.

Your Profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Innovation Management, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in an international, multidisciplinary environment (preferably within the personal care, packaging, or consumer goods industry).
• Proven track record in managing creative product development or technology innovation projects.
• Strong communicator who enjoys collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Hands-on, curious, and proactive — capable of combining creative thinking with structured project delivery.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with attention to detail.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).
• Interest in packaging, dispensing, and product innovation.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to AFA, suppliers or clients’ location.

What do we offer?

• Creative Impact: Work on innovative product and technology concepts that shape AFA’s future portfolio.
• Collaboration Across Disciplines: Engage with engineers, designers, scientists, and business professionals in a dynamic environment.
• Inspiring Location: Based in the creative and tech-driven Strijp-T district in Eindhoven, a hub for design and innovation.
• Attractive Compensation: Competitive salary with a performance-based bonus.
• Tools & Flexibility: Company laptop and mobile phone, plus flexibility to work from different locations.
• Contract Stability: One-year contract with the intention of permanent employment after proven performance.
• Time to Recharge: 30 vacation days (based on a 40-hour workweek).
• Learning & Growth: Continuous opportunities for professional development and training.

Why Join AFA Dispensing?

You’ll join an international, innovation-driven organization that values teamwork, reliability, and growth.

We are recruiting for this vacancy ourselves. Therefore, we do not appreciate unsolicited approaches from recruitment and selection agencies regarding this vacancy. Unsolicited profiles will be treated as direct applications.

Together, we turn ideas into impact through shared vision and innovation. Contact one of our representatives to start the conversation.

We are like a diver who is unafraid of challenges, welcoming the opportunity to dive in, rather than staying on the surface and expecting others to pave the way.