R&D Development Center Manager

DIVISION: Consumer Packaging International
FUNCTION: Research & Development CPI
JOB TITLE: R&D Development Center Manager
REPORTING TO: R&D Cluster Head or EVP R&D Innovation & Sustainability 

Scope:

Lead the direction and operational excellence of the R&D Development Center, with a focus on new product implementation and quality in execution. Holding strong knowledge and skills in relevant product platforms, ensuring high levels of experience is available for support. The role involves validation and industrialization of projects to meet all necessary standards and requirements, identifying and delivering on customer and competitive needs with an emphasis on cost innovation, superiority, and sustainability. Additionally, to ensure the proper handover to the sites for the scale up and continuous improvement process.

About the team:

The R&D Innovation & Sustainability team within the division of CPI is composed of experienced professionals dedicated to advancing the company´s innovation and sustainability goals. With allocations in multiple geographies having expertise across Healthcare, Homecare, Food, Beverage, Beauty and Wellness; with focus on:

1. Sustainability: Implement and scale sustainable business practices across operations and value chain, focusing on reducing environmental impact while maximizing circularity and enhancing value creation.
2. Product Innovation: Creating new and improved packaging designs that meet the evolving needs of customers across various industries.
3. Cost Innovation: Value creation by reducing the costs associated with producing or delivering a product or service, while maintaining or improving its quality and performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the R&D Development Center and technical team, ensuring alignment with the company’s innovation and sustainability objectives.
• Contribute and develop the roadmap of the ONE R&D CPI team to constantly improve the efficiency, creativity, business impact of the team and directly manage part of the roadmap.
• Maintaining relationships with clients and finding creative ways to expand the Business.
• Lead key projects to support business goals.
• Monitor team metrics and objectives ensuring meeting of goals.
• Serve as part of the organization’s leadership team and contribute to the development and execution of strategic decisions.
• Responsible for following and ensuring team’s adherence to the Berry Safety guidelines.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for the development center, focusing on market demands and collaborations with the different expert and advance centers.
• Oversee the execution of R&D projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Lead implementation of restaging products for existing portfolio of site of relevancy.
• Partner with key stake holders on the definition of business continuity plans and security of supply initiatives.
• Conduct all final qualifications necessary to confirm the feasibility for industrialization and prepare the required documentation for handover to the sites of production.
• Participate in continuous improvement plans and follow up on launches at site or multisite level.
• Foster a collaborative environment, working closely with cross-functional teams across Healthcare, Homecare, Food, Beverage, Beauty, and Wellness sectors (when applicable).
• Co-Leading implementation and overseeing processes streamlining, optimizing and improving product consistency.
• Manage the allocation of human resources and oversee the development center’s budget.
• Prepare and present technical reports, proposals, and presentations to senior management and stakeholders.
• Mentor and develop team members, promoting a culture of excellence, feedback and continuous learning.

Key performance indicators:

1. Strategic Plan Development and Implementation:
• Number of strategic plans developed and executed.
• Percentage of projects initiated based on market demands and collaborations.
2. R&D Project Execution:
• Percentage of R&D projects completed on time and budget.
• Quality rating of completed projects (based on predefined standards).
3. Industrialization Feasibility and Documentation:
• Percentage of projects successfully handed over to production sites.
4. Continuous Improvement, BCP, SOS and Launch Follow-up:
• Success rate of product launches at site or multisite level.
• Number of business continuity plans implemented.
• Number of securities of supply initiatives implemented.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Biotechnology).
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in R&D, with at least 5 years in a managerial role.
• Proven track record of leading successful R&D projects and managing high-performing teams.
• Strong knowledge of industrial processes, technology and qualification principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Experience in the Healthcare, Homecare, Food, Beverage, Beauty, or Wellness sectors is highly desirable.