Role Title
Global R&D Director Metal Design Innovation
Role Description
Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) is shaping a sustainable and responsible future by pioneering innovative technologies and design solutions in metal packaging. With a strong focus on sustainability, functionality, branding and shaping, AMP continuously pushes industry boundaries to meet evolving customer and market demands.
We are seeking a Global R&D Director – Metal Design Innovation to lead the next wave of metal packaging innovation. Reporting to the Global Director of R&D, this role aligns and drives regional R&D teams across North America, Europe and Brazil, delivering global strategies for metal design, lightweighting and downgauging of cans and ends. This is a high-impact leadership role with full ownership of global metal design innovation — from concept through industrial rollout — leveraging advanced simulation, FEA and AI-driven optimization.
Key responsibilities
· Lead global metal design innovation by guiding regional R&D Directors and cross-functional teams, integrating advanced simulation, FEA and AI-driven optimization into can and end design.
· Translate customer and market needs into scalable design solutions, developing robust business cases that ensure regulatory compliance while delivering cost, efficiency and performance benefits in close collaboration with Manufacturing, Engineering and Suppliers.
· Own and drive a global portfolio of complex R&D projects, managing all stage-gates from concept through industrialization, plant rollout and commercialization, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.
· Build and lead specialized expert teams, defining resource needs, capabilities and capital investment plans aligned with AMP’s global innovation and lightweighting roadmap.
· Establish technical governance and methodologies for quality support, qualifications, testing and analytical services, enabling regions to effectively resolve quality and productivity challenges.
· Lead cross-regional and cross-functional innovation programs in partnership with key suppliers, technology partners and universities to accelerate next-generation can and end technologies.
· Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships across metal design, DWI technologies and process innovation, acting as a key technical interface with internal and external stakeholders.
· Support global and regional marketing initiatives by enabling the development of new materials, designs and products that meet customer requirements and drive top-line growth.
· Define global quality standards and operational guidelines for new designs, lightweighting and downgauging technologies, ensuring consistency, safety and scalability across regions.
· Engage globally through regular international travel, including quarterly leadership meetings in North America, Germany and Brazil, and visits to manufacturing facilities worldwide to stay closely connected to regional complexities and opportunities.
Requirements
· Advanced degree (Master’s / PhD preferred) in Mechanical or Metallurgical Engineering
· 10+ years of experience in metal design & innovation
· Proven leadership in global or multi-regional R&D environments
· Strong expertise in FEA (Abaqus), CAD and advanced simulation
· Experience with business case development, ROI and project financial impact
· Familiarity with IP / patenting and comparative design reviews
· Fluent English and willingness to travel internationally
What we offer
· To be a part of exciting and growing business
· Global scope, real ownership and decision-making authority
About Ardagh Metal Packaging
Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) is a leading supplier of sustainable, infinitely recyclable metal beverage cans to brand owners globally. An operating business of sustainable packaging business Ardagh Group, AMP is a leading industry player across Europe and the Americas, with innovative production capabilities, 23 production facilities, more than 6,000 employees and recorded revenues of $4.8 billion in 2023.
AMP is 76%-owned by Ardagh Group and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker AMBP.
About Ardagh Group
Ardagh Group is a global supplier of infinitely recyclable metal and glass packaging solutions, producing packaging for brand owners around the world. We have grown to a team of approximately 20,000 people with revenues of more than $9 billion. Today we have a presence across the Americas, Europe and Africa.
· Ardagh produces many of the beverage cans and bottles that contain your favourite beverages.
· Our packaging is manufactured from metal and glass - permanent materials that can be infinitely recycled without any loss of quality.
· Ardagh produces more than 60 billion containers per year (more than 160 million containers per day).
The future we’re creating for Ardagh is built around our four Core Values of Inclusion, Trust, Teamwork and Excellence. We offer exciting and rewarding opportunities for talented and creative people. If you have ambition and want to make an impact with your career, come and join our team - you’ll enjoy the journey!