Pacific International has been retained by a leading industrial machinery manufacturer in Europe. This business is looking to bring aboard an experienced Director of Business Process Excellence Innovation to work in the organisations centre of excellence.
Based in Europe, the successful candidate will bring a strong track record in transforming R&D and innovation processes, driving faster and more predictable product development outcomes, and embedding Lean, data‑driven ways of working. Operating at both strategic and hands‑on levels, this individual will play a key role in accelerating time‑to‑market, improving product quality, and delivering measurable commercial value across global product portfolios.
Key Responsibilities
* Drive faster, more predictable innovation outcomes across R&D
* Embed data‑driven decision‑making within product development
* Deliver measurable business value (cost, speed, quality, revenue)
* Develop a multi‑generation product roadmap spanning 10–15 years
* Lead transformation of the end‑to‑end NPD lifecycle
* Align NPD processes with business strategy, customer needs, and market dynamics
* Lead Lean Six Sigma deployment within R&D and Innovation functions
* Identify and eliminate inefficiencies across development, design, testing, and validation
* Optimise time‑to‑market, development cost, and product success rates
Candidate Profile
* Minimum 10+ years’ experience in R&D, Innovation, or Product Development
* Proven track record in R&D process improvement and transformation
* Extensive experience leading Lean Six Sigma initiatives (Black Belt / Master Black Belt)
* Strong expertise in: New Product Development (NPD), Design for Six Sigma (DfSS) and Stage‑Gate and/or Agile frameworks
* Experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment (preferred)
* Structured, innovation‑driven mindset with strong problem‑solving skills
* Ability to translate customer needs into engineering requirements
* Strong analytical, systems thinking, and stakeholder influencing skills
* Comfortable operating both strategically and hands‑on
* Proven ability to coach and develop technical teams
* High resilience and capability to drive change in complex organisations
Qualifications & Skills
* Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
* Design for Six Sigma (DfSS)
* Experience with Innovation and Stage‑Gate frameworks
* English (full professional proficiency)
For further information on this position and a confidential discussion about your career please contact Ebba Gotthard, Client Deliver Manager - though we ask you to apply directly through this LinkedIn post to make sure your application is reviewed.
Pacific International, a globally recognized retained executive search firm, is dedicated to empowering Fortune 500, FTSE 100, and high-growth enterprises in building exceptional C-suite, senior-level, and strategic leadership teams while championing diversity and inclusion. Our adaptability, agility, and forward-thinking ethos distinguish us in the ever-evolving business landscape.
Since 1997, we have been dedicated to building lasting client partnerships based on trust and reliability, and a proven track record of successful C-suite and mid- to senior-level leadership project delivery across many key industries globally.
Diversity Statement:
At Pacific International, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and we proudly champion diversity on behalf of our clients in every Executive Search mandate we undertake. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. In pursuit of these objectives, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.