Product Development Director

About the Role

The R&D Manager is responsible for securing the right product development competences and resources to deliver and execute on innovation projects and/or other agreed initiatives, such as quality and cost save activities, based on business needs and requirements.

You will directly manage 1-5 engineers/scientists specialized in hygiene tissue assembled products (depending on experience).

You will lead and execute initiatives on your own based on business needs and requirements and will also further be responsible for actively spreading product knowledge in the organization and act as product expert and advisor to projects and colleagues.

Your Main Responsibilities:

• Propose and secure right product development deliveries within assigned area, considering relevant consumer insights, consumer needs, behavior and usage pattern, trends, brand platforms, category and business needs.
• Secure product function and properties within own area and drive synergies in Product Development across Categories and Geographies.
• Monitor product competitiveness vs. competitor product offers within own area and recommend project/actions to improve competitiveness in line with brand requirements.
• Partner with the Innovation teams by providing guidance on concepts, design and optimization.
• Secure the right competence and resources to execute innovation projects and/or other agreed activities, such as quality and cost save projects.
• Lead, develop and optimize staff within own team.
• Plan and lead the work for assigned area within set frames and budget.
• Proactively monitor and maintain agreed performance and delivery standards based on internal customer requirements.
• Keep abreast of developments, procedures and practices within own area to ensure that appropriate methods and tools are adopted and implemented.
• Contribute to building a competitive and cost efficient patent portfolio and design protection for the area of responsibility based on the patent strategy.
• Represent own area in relevant forums within GBIS, and Business Units as well as with external parties.

Your Profile:

• University Degree or equivalent in Science, Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years work experience in R&D, in the paper and consumer goods industry, and in working with multi-functional teams.
• Experience on Hankies and Facials and/or Household Towel (product development, innovation, converting, papermaking operations) is an advantage.
• Practical management experience leading multiple teams, international and remote.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and build constructive and effective relationships and networks at all levels both internally and externally.
• High ability to simplify and communicate complex matters in a meaningful and inspiring way.
• Leadership competencies based on our Essity Leadership Platform.
• Embodies our Values – Care, Courage, Collaboration and Commitment.
• Fluent in English, conversation in French is an advantage.
• Ability to travel when needed.

What We Offer:

• Opportunities for development and career growth.
• 25% of positions at Essity in France are filled through internal mobility.
• Aquatube, tubeless rolls, washable underwear... Discover our innovations in video.
• Savings solutions such as PEE and PERCOL, with the possibility of company matching contributions.
• Company profit-sharing and incentive agreements.
• Transport and commuting allowances.
• Access to company canteen with employer contribution.
• Preferential rates for social and cultural activities via our CSE.
• Discounts on some of our products.
• Telecommuting packages for employees whose job permits it; accompanied by a daily allowance.
• Reduced Working Hours (RTT).
• Internal and/or international mobility opportunities.
• E-learning platform offering a wide range of training courses.

About Essity:

Working at Essity is not just a career; it is a chance to directly make the world a healthier, more hygienic and safer place. With impactful innovations coupled with sustainable solutions, we strive to reach more people every year with the necessary and essential solutions for well-being.