Lawter, a leading supplier to the graphic arts, adhesives, specialty coatings, aroma chemicals and synthetic rubber industries is looking for the right individuals to join its Innovation team to: pioneer new technologies, research and develop new products, convert business development opportunities into new products and prototype innovations to drive long term business growth. The scope of the Innovation organization includes 1) leveraging advantaged bio-renewable pine chemicals availability and usage in new markets that are seeking bio-based and circular solutions and 2) the development of new markets, new technologies or new value offerings to deliver exceptional and sustainable growth.

 

For its headquarters in Europe (Kallo), Lawter is looking for a:

 

Technical Manager Innovation M/F/X

 

The Technical Manager Innovation is responsible for the management of the Technical Innovation Team of up to five chemists and engineers as direct reports. The technical manager coordinates the team’s research, development, and innovation activities, and manages OPEX and CAPEX budget, as well as transfers of developments from the laboratory to production. The  responsibilities also include setting and managing the team’s goals, and reporting on the team’s progress to members of the board of directors. The technical manager contributes to customer support, supplier management, and the safety management of the shared laboratory. The technical manager is  responsible for the training, development, and performance review of the direct reports, as well as hiring new team members as appropriate in cooperation with the human resource department and is also responsible for the ideation, acquisition, execution, and documentation of (publicly subsidized) projects.

 

Essential duties and responsibilities:

  • You are responsible for Innovation Projects (in the technical field)
  • You are responsible for continuous technical training of the team.
  • You give internal and external presentations about (technical) developments.
  • You are in close contact with Production/Process engineering /QC regarding new products 
  • You keep in contact with raw material manufacturers of the different industries.
  • You are involved in the strategic decisions during Global Innovation Meeting.
  • You stay abreast of the developments of competitors.
  • You are responsible for the medium- and long term research programs (in close cooperation with Innovation Business Development Managers).
  • You act as technical consultant on global projects.
  • You are up-to-date with industry trends.
  • You cooperate with the Commercial Team in introducing new concepts and products onto the market.
  • You are responsible for a good relationship between Lawter and potential new customers, and for exploring new contacts following the lead of BDM’s. You coordinate technical aspects of industry collaborations in new markets.
  • You give technical assistance to the BDMs. Introduction of new products !
  • You initiate the introduction of new products onto the market (technical) in cooperation with the BDMs.
  • You discuss all technical aspects with potential customers and use this input for the development of new products and/or starting of new projects.
  • You lead brainstorming and ideation sessions
  • You lead special projects as required by management.
  • You initiate and lead projects for product developments from start until product is in standard program.

 

 Education/Experience:

  • MS or Ph.D. degree in Organic Chemistry or related field.
  • Experience in a product development role is preferable.
  • Experience with creative problem solving techniques such as TRIZ or experience in Project Management is desirable.

  

Skills and abilities:

  • Travel may be required as needed with minimal global travel.
  • Good English oral and written communication skills are required.
  • You have a deep understanding of the specific field or industry.
  • You have the ability to lead, motivate and manage a multidisciplinary team.
  • You have strong decision-making skills.
  • You are creative, curious.
  • You have project management skills, you are open-minded and data and results driven.
  • You have excellent communication skills to effectively interact with team members, stakeholders, and executives.

 

Our offer:

  • You will be part of an exciting, dynamic and highly technological environment with an open and direct culture.
  • A job with significant impact towards the future.
  • A competitive salary package including benefits such as meal vouchers, hospitalization insurance, pension plan, bonus plan, bike lease plan, ecocheques...

 

Interested ?

Please e-mail your application to Hironori Matsushima hiring manager (hironori.matsushimaDit e-mailadres wordt beveiligd tegen spambots. JavaScript dient ingeschakeld te zijn om het te bekijken.awter.com) and Caroline Dobbelaere, HR Manager (Dit e-mailadres wordt beveiligd tegen spambots. JavaScript dient ingeschakeld te zijn om het te bekijken.).

 

Replies will be dealt with swiftly and in strictest confidence.