VP Innovation Protective Materials

at  Ahlstrom

You have a choice of where you want to work! We invite you along on our journey to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. We aim to attract, retain, and energize passionate people, like you, by investing in your professional development and providing opportunities for personal growth.
Do your values align with ours? Accountability, Growth mindset, One team, Care and a fair and inclusive work environment for everyone, everywhere!
We strive to meet the highest standards of corporate citizenship by protecting the health and safety of our team, safeguarding the environment, and creating a long-lasting, positive impact on the communities where we do business. Are you with us?!?

CANDIDATE PROFILE

• M.S. or Ph.D. in chemistry or chemical engineering
• At least 10 years of managerial experience in project management, product development, R&D coordination with a strong focus on team leadership within a challenging industrial environment
• Result and customer-oriented mindset
• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong leadership and change management skills
• Excellent communication and networking skills, both internally and externally
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Fluency in English
• Availability for traveling
  Ahlstrom is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal opportunity is a sound and just concept to which we are firmly bound. Ahlstrom will not engage in discrimination against, or harassment of, any person employed or seeking employment with our company based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, non-disqualifying disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.
  About Us. Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. Our vision is to be the Preferred Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders.
  Our three divisions, Filtration and Life Sciences, Food and Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials, address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions. Our net sales in 2023 amounted to EUR 3.0 billion and we employ some 7,000 people.
  Learn more at www.ahlstrom.com
  Ahlstrom’s manufacturing and hygiene processes, procedures and policies, must be adhered to, as applicable, to the position’s areas of responsibility, in order to meet and maintain the safety, quality, and regulatory compliance requirements for each grade of paper

PURPOSE OF THE JOB / POSITION DESCRIPTION

• Develop and drive the strategic vision for innovation within the Protective Materials division.
• Prioritize and allocate R&D resources effectively across Business Units (BUs) to maximize return on investment.
• Foster a culture of innovation, challenging incremental thinking with an outward forward-looking perspective.
• Collaborate with the Division EVP and BU VPs to define and execute the division’s innovation strategy.
• Integrate technology and know-how from across the company to enhance the division’s innovation efforts.
• Upgrade innovation capabilities, building best practices and leadership across BU R&D teams to drive the development and execution of innovation pipelines.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Innovation Strategy Leadership: Develop and communicate a comprehensive innovation strategy ensuring alignment with the division’s business goals and market demands.
• Resource Allocation: Prioritize innovation projects and allocate R&D resources across BUs, working closely with Division EVP and BU VPs to optimize returns.
• Best Practices and Leadership: Provide leadership and best practices to BU R&D teams, coaching BU R&D managers to drive the innovation pipeline and execute projects effectively.
• Innovation Pipeline Management: Oversee the entire product lifecycle from concept to launch, ensuring innovative products meet market needs and exceed customer expectations.
• Market Alignment: Collaborate with marketing, sales, and operations to ensure product development aligns with market demands and delivers exceptional user experiences.
• Talent Development: Further develop and upgrade the R&D talent pool within BUs, mentoring a high-performing product development team and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Outward Perspective: Challenge current thinking by bringing an outward forward-looking perspective to drive substantial innovation, including leveraging partnerships.
• Stakeholder Partnerships: Lead partnerships with universities, research institutions, and external stakeholders to enhance product innovation and leverage external expertise.
• Regulatory and IP Management: Manage regulatory aspects and intellectual property, including patents in collaboration with the IP function, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• KPI Tracking and Risk Management: Establish and monitor KPIs to track the success of product development initiatives, making data-driven improvements and identifying and mitigating risks.
• Budget Management: Oversee the product development budget, ensuring efficient and effective use of resources.