Head of of New Applications Research 80-100%

von: Omya AG | Ort: Egerkingen
N: OmyaAG

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 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. 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 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.

Contact

Jan Mischler, HR Business Partner, T +41 79 156 74 11

N: OmyaAG

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