Director Innovation, Labels

kp is currently looking for a Director Innovation for our Labels business at our Site in Gendorf/Germany. This position is based in our Pharma, Health & Durables Division and will report directly to the Vice President of Innovation. The Innovation Director leads the global Innovation team Labels for research, new product development, and commercialization with global team members.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Develop global Label product and technology strategy in close collaboration with Product Line Management for Labels and other peers for supporting the drive for growth through both internal and external partners, especially focusing on customers.
• Lead complex new product development through our stage gate process, and leading cross-functional project teams.
• Identify product alternatives, fabricating and evaluating prototypes.
• Technical lead for designing polymeric film (and coating) experiments, analyzing, documenting, and summarizing results to support strategic product (and process) platform development.
• Lead and drive sustainability in the portfolio for industry leadership.
• Interact directly with end-users to develop product concepts based on true market needs as well as create a multigenerational product roadmap in alignment with customers and aligned with business.
• Identify opportunities for advocacy and lead opportunities to be part of technical committees, organization or presenting at conferences.
• Identify patent opportunities and supporting the patent application process.

Who we are looking for:

You might be a match with a University Degree in Engineering or Science, specifically Polymer Engineering, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field or other degree with min. 10 years of relevant business experience. A Ph.D would be preferred.

Requirements of the role:

• Excellent technical knowledge in extrusion, lamination, coatings properties
  • Background in calendaring, Multi-layer extrusion a plus.
  • Preferably labels / film TDO and MDO operations.
• Strong knowledge in polymers
  • Preferred in PVC, PET, PETg, Polyolefins, and blends/ tie layers resulting in Heat Shrink and Pressure-sensitive label films.
• Excellent knowledge in Labels market and translating megatrends into business needs.
• Preferably have knowledge on TDO Heat Shrink labels structure property relationships.
• 10+ years’ experience in product or process development, specifically in polymeric film structures.
• Project management experience leading cross-functional teams from concept to commercialization, utilizing StageGate.
• Portfolio Prioritization for innovation and business impact.
• Experienced in DOE (Design of experiments a PLUS).
• Excellent communication, coaching, influencing, problem solving, and facilitation skills are essential.
• Highly collaborative and flexible style. Excellent ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional, cross-regional and matrix organizations.
• Strong entrepreneurial mindset and ability to think strategically from a business perspective.

What we offer:

• A modern workplace in the heart of Bavaria at a chemical parc.
• A global team that makes the difference and drives innovational projects.
• Flexible work hours and 30 days of vacation.
• Our kpAcademy with online-trainings to develop yourself any time.