Process Innovation Director

JOB SUMMARY

Conception and pilot Development of new process technology platforms 

Propose and implement long-term global strategies for new process technology platforms within the field of high temperature materials, including design and acquisition of necessary pilot facility and equipment

Maintain and Develop predictive engineering capabilities to support operations

JOB SCOPE

• Be part of  +100 FTE Global RAC S&T team operating over 3 technology centers in Villach, Lyon and Tianjn.

• Manage Process innovation team of (~12 people) which is expected to grow in future and this includes the management and operation of the synthetic minerals pilot plant. A numerical simulation pole will be developed over future years

• Manage Opex/Capex plans for process innovation (< 5MEUR)

• Global scope : Manage process innovation portfolio of actions  (~40/5MEUR revenue on a 5 year horizon) and resource allocation including the integration of requests/projects serving other BA

• Periodic travel expected across Imerys sites and technology centers for approximately 20% of time

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide specialised process engineering and scale-up technical guidance to project teams working within the S&T/Innovation groups 

• Design & Provide proposal development of transformational new process development projects in support of the roadmaps for  RAC and other business area S&T/Innovation groups

• Build and manage a portfolio of projects focussed process technologies to support business growth and operational teams across short, medium and long term ventures

• Track Approved process development projects to ensure progress, transparency and proper prioritised resourcing (portfolio management)

• Provide specialised process engineering and scale-up technical input to project teams working within the operational groups. This includes developing team skills in the field of predictive engineering and numerical simulation to facilitate the conception of new processes and provide expertise/support.

• Ensure the process innovation team is developing and utilising best practice process engineering in all new product and new process developments (facilitate scale ups)

• Actively secure and manage intellectual property as related to Platform Technology process technology development efforts in close cooperation with the IP legal teams. Maintain a technology watch of emerging technologies and processes. 

• Manage resources – maintain the technical skills and facilities to meet the business growth objectives

• Develop relationships with key External partners  including institutes,  Universities and others.

• Build and develop community and networks communicate new process best practices across the business area and the wider group

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education and Experience requirements

• Minimum 7-8 years of experience in R&D department and/or  industrial companies 

• Technology and/or application development coupled with intimate knowledge of industrial process and in particular high temperature processing

• Intellectual property portfolio development and management  

• Experience managing scientists and technical teams in a transversal environment

• Familiar with innovation process from idea to commercialization

• Extensive internal & external network

Knowledge, skills, Imerys Leadership Behaviors 

• Fluent in english, Knowledge of German is a plus

• Strong interpersonal skills and visible  team player 

• Demonstrated capability to deliver results in a challenging environment and Business acumen

• Ability to arbitrate across conflicting constraints and discern key priorities