Senior Project Manager, R&D Processing

Description

You will take a new manufacturing printing technology from an early idea to a proven prototype that could shape future products. The role is Senior Project Manager in the Research & Innovation team within R&D Processing.

The team is newly formed, so its ways of working are still being set. Its purpose is to develop breakthrough concepts for future products and manufacturing capabilities. The role sits between innovation and execution.

Over the next 12-18 months the team will run several high-priority innovation projects while building its operating model. It pairs experienced people with an entrepreneurial approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic projects across functions at the earliest stages of innovation.
• Drive development of future automated manufacturing solutions for decorating, coating, printing and pre-assembling moulded plastic parts.
• Bring structure to uncertain situations and guide cross-functional teams.
• Move promising technologies from concept to proven manufacturing prototypes.
• Work closely with Technology Transfer, Product Design, Quality, Materials Engineering and manufacturing teams so ideas become viable manufacturing solutions.
• Give the project a clear route to maturity, with evidence of progress through defined technology and manufacturing readiness stages.
• Keep stakeholders aligned on ambition, priorities, risks and progress, and prepare a solid handover to Technology Transfer and future deployment.
• Help the team set its foundations, bring people together around a shared vision and keep progress moving in a collaborative hybrid rhythm.

Requirements

• 7+ years in R&D environments, plus significant programme management and/or project leadership.
• Have been the accountable project manager on technology development projects in engineering, manufacturing or innovation organisations.
• Have led projects at low technology maturity, moving them toward proven concepts.
• Have taken emerging or unproven technologies from initial idea through concept development to prototype validation.
• Apply solid technical understanding to project decisions while balancing strategic objectives and business value.
• Explain technology visions clearly and win stakeholder support where outcomes are uncertain and changing.
• Strong stakeholder management and the ability to build followership.
• Most important: you work confidently in low-maturity innovation environments, handle ambiguity and build momentum around technologies still being defined.
• Preferred: experience with decorating, coating, printing or processing plastic components.
• Preferred: knowledge of plastics within industrial manufacturing.
• Preferred: experience in consumer goods manufacturing with high product variation.
• Preferred: involvement in technology development and manufacturing innovation programmes at large industrial businesses.

Conditions

Hybrid working under the Best of Both model allows working from home up to two days per week; your People Leader will explain how this applies to your role and team.

Your place of work is the office, store or factory stated in the advert.

Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and the role may be amended or withdrawn at any time, including before the advertised closing date.

The company is committed to equal employment opportunity and equal pay and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

Benefits

• Enhanced paid family care leave options.
• Insurance covering life and disability for all colleagues.
• Wellbeing resources and benefits for physical and mental health, plus community and creative activities.
• A colleague discount available from your first day.
• A bonus scheme, if you are eligible, when team goals are reached.