R&D Director Competence Center Floor Cleaning Europe (f/m/d)

at  Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions

Working at Freudenberg: “We will wow your world!” This is our promise. As a global technology group, we not only make the world cleaner, healthier and more comfortable, but also offer our 52,000 employees a networked and diverse environment where everyone can thrive individually. Be surprised and experience your own wow moments.
Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions is a Business Group of Freudenberg and a leading global supplier of branded cleaning systems as well as household and laundry care products. The portfolio includes brands such as Vileda®, Gimi®, Wettex® and Marigold®. The company employs more than 3,600 people and hosts a global distribution network.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of experience in R&D, Innovation Management, or related business functions with project management and managerial experience and Master’s degree in a technical field
• Fluent in English; German is a plus
• Broad-based technical knowledge of technologies and materials
• Solid knowledge in FMEA, product qualification, quality assurance, DFMA methodologies, and basic understanding of CAD and CAE systems
• Solid knowledge in the IP area
• Good knowledge in consumer understanding, concepts, research, insights generations and in the fields of Sustainability and Regulatory
• Solid knowledge of innovation processes, state-of-the-art ideation, creativity tools, and methods
• Creative mind with strong analytical and strategic thinking, able to translate customer needs into innovations and new products
• Excellent people management and proven leadership skills with a hands-on personality
• Outstanding technical and project management skills with a proven track record of successful project management
• Solid and broad business understanding and orientation, with an entrepreneurial attitude
• Good communication skills, able to effectively communicate with management and across diverse functions and organizational levels within the company and to external parties.
  The Freudenberg Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

• Regulatory Compliance: Plan and execute measures to ensure the regulatory compliance of the product portfolio within the area of responsibility
• Innovation Pipeline: Plan and lead idea creation activities, and co-define the innovation pipeline for the respective area of responsibility in collaboration with the Marketing functions
• NPD Project Portfolio: Execute the NPD project portfolio on time and as specified in the Masterplan, in conjunction with the Marketing functions
• IP Management: Manage the IP portfolio for the area of responsibility
• Cost Saving Projects: Plan and execute cost-saving projects and build technical expertise in relevant technology fields
• Team Leadership: Lead and further develop a team of highly skilled engineers and scientists, including R&D project managers and R&D Lab Technicians