Who we are Omya is a leading global producer of essential minerals and a worldwide distributor of specialty materials. Founded in Switzerland in 1884 and privately owned, we employ 9,000 people across 160 plants in 50 countries. Omya provides added value products and services from responsibly sourced materials to meet the needs of current and future generations. This position reports directly to the Vice President of Research Development Services. You will be part of the RD Management Team, contributing to shaping the strategic direction of our innovation initiatives and serving as a key networker with our technology centers in Europe, the USA, and Asia. The position is being advertised as the current job holder is retiring, providing a unique opportunity to lead and shape this crucial role for the future. Your Mission Develop and lead New Applications Research to drive innovation and become the number one business partner for strategic Innovation across all market segments. Create sustainable material concepts and innovative solutions for cross industry challenges. Promote entrepreneurial creativity and agile Innovation practices, emphasizing transformation and business thinking to create impactful new business models. Your Key Responsibilities Strategic Innovation Development: Identify and adapt cross industry technologies. Develop market ready solution concepts, including prototypes. Implement agile and scalable solutions. Team Leadership and Competency Development: Lead a team of 14 employees and motivate them through targeted development. Foster a culture of creativity and collaboration. Embody an entrepreneurial mindset and actively encourage this mindset in the team. Global Market Strategy: Analyze technology trends and market developments. Build strategic partnerships with academia and industry. Transformation: Implement new working methods and structures. Collaborate closely with the management team and actively shape the company strategy. Your Profile Academic Background: PhD degree in physics, material sciences, civil engineering, or related fields; MBA or comparable additional qualification is a plus. Experience: 10+ years of leadership experience in industrial research and development, preferably in an international environment. Innovation Methods: Knowledge of design thinking, agile methods, and Lean Startup approaches. Creative mindset: Combined with hands on experience in research facilities and labs, which sees potentials when they are popping up Personality A bold leader with vision and decisiveness. Creativity and curiosity for technological and interdisciplinary innovations. Global mindset and cultural sensitivity. Soft Skills Leading People, Drive Change, Interaction, Communication, Delivery. Structured Approach, Client Orientation, Business Responsibility. Rational Analysis, Decision Making Judgement, Creative and Strategic Thinking. Drive, Resilience, Self Awareness, Integrity. Languages: Proficient in G