Omya is a leading global producer of essential minerals and a worldwide distributor of specialty materials. Founded in Switzerland in 1884, the company is privately owned and employs 9,000 people across 160 plants in 50 countries.
This role reports directly to the Vice President of Research & Development Services. You will be part of the R&D 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.
Your Mission
* Drive innovation by developing new applications research 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.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Innovation Development :
* Identify and adapt cross-industry technologies to drive business growth.
* Develop market-ready solution concepts, including prototypes, to meet customer needs.
* Implement scalable and agile solutions that add value to our customers.
Team Leadership and Competency Development :
* Lead a team of employees and motivate them through targeted development opportunities.
* Foster a culture of creativity and collaboration among team members.
* Embody an entrepreneurial mindset and encourage this mindset in the team.
* Analyze technology trends and market developments to inform business decisions.
* Build strategic partnerships with academia and industry to drive innovation.
Transformation :
* Implement new working methods and structures to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
* Collaborate closely with the management team to shape the company strategy.
Your Profile
We are seeking an individual with:
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 :
A combined creative and hands-on approach to research and development.
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 German and English (C2).
Work Environment :
Flexible and hybrid work models are supported.
What We Offer :
* A strategically significant key role with ample room for innovation.
* A dynamic, international work environment that fosters innovation and diversity.
* The opportunity to develop groundbreaking solutions and actively contribute to the company's transformation.