Head of R&D in Freiburg bei Cerdia Services GmbH

The Cerdia Group is a global player in the chemical industry and is a quality and innovation leader in the field of cellulose acetate flakes and tow. Around 1,100 employees are working at our four production sites around the world with the highest quality standards.
Cerdia's strategy is not only to continuously optimize its existing products, but also to focus strongly on broad product diversification. Our bio-based product is suitable for a wide variety of "green" applications and sustainable solutions.

For our R&D Department at site Freiburg im Breisgau we are looking for a

Head of R&D (m/f/d)

Major Responsabilities

• To provide leadership to the R&D team (Research, Development and Labs), giving support and direction to enable the team to provide the highest standards of service to our customers and to meet organizational needs and to capitalize on potential new products
• Ensure all operational activities within the team are run effectively and efficiently to support the achievement of budget through on time and in full delivery of high-quality product to customers
• Responsible for development of new products in close collaboration with NBD and Sales to understand market opportunities and customer needs and translate this back into concrete innovation projects
• Continuous improvement of our existing products, processes, and technologies in order to increase productivity, profitability, quality and sustainability
• Develop and implement a culture of innovation to ensure a strategic development of innovation and trends
• Ensure development and protection of Cerdia’s Intellectual Property in close collaboration with all relevant parties (Patent Attorney)
• Responsible for all activities related to creation, alignment, prioritization and implementation of agreed project portfolio of the company across functions (Safety, Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales, NBD and Procurement) ensuring straight flow of R&D project management

We are looking for a person to achieve the following tasks

• Ensure agile structure of area of responsibility, build organization and talent
• Build relevant capabilities to ensure competitive advantage
• Lead, promote and motivate sub-employees as well as ensure efficient process-oriented organization and mode of operation
• Recruit, develop and retain talents through individual development plans and highlighting perspectives and ensure a stable succession planning
• Lead with accountability across boundaries and ensure information flow within area of responsibility

Who brings the following Qualification and Experience

• PhD in Organic Chemistry, with strong focus on innovation, polymer chemistry and polymer applications
• > 15 years of industrial experience & Leadership experience (own team and project teams)
• Strong communication skills & proven work experience with Project Management
• A solid understanding of chemistry and technical facts
• Excellent written and verbal English skills
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint)

If you are looking for an interesting, diversified and challenging job opportunity in a dynamic work environment than this is the right job for you. You can expect an attractive salary and further benefits such as 30 days of paid holiday leave, flexible working hours, option for mobile working, JobRad, Canteen, good transportation links, employee parking spaces and very good pensions.

If you are interested, please apply here: www.cerdia.com/join-us