Are you….
* Excited about being on the frontlines of high-tech composite solutions to protect people and sensitive equipment within the defence sector, and technology-driven industries?
* Great at translating market needs into R&D projects and new designs that enhance the value for customers?
* Do you enjoy a people-focused, fast-paced, and international work environment?
Our client, Integris, seeks a customer-focused head of R&D to lead the development of products and engineered solutions for existing and new customers throughout the defence sector's whole value chain.
As Head of R&D, you will drive and execute the R&D strategy to deliver new designs that enhance customer value—above and beyond what the competition offers. The team of experts in France and Denmark that this person will lead will rely on you to track the innovation curve and support the adoption of sharp, modern methods, processes, and tools.
The right candidate for this position should get a thrill from disrupting the market with your ability to translate market needs into R&D projects and new designs. You will collaborate closely with the chief technology officer to establish priorities. International, cross-divisional collaboration and a forward-thinking leadership style are keys to success in this role. We expect you to be comfortable navigating among internal and external stakeholders to optimize outcomes.
You’ll be part of a fast-growing and innovative global company with a flat organizational structure leading the way in its industry. The company culture is characterized by a common drive that the team has to provide the best-customized product solutions for those who serve and protect our countries and communities every single day. This remotely European-based position reports to the company's global VP of R&D and is a member of the European management team.
Integris is a fast-growing company well-known for producing the strongest, lightweight solutions for defence, aerospace, and other industries. For more information, visit: https://www.integriscomposites.com/
Responsibilities
* Lead and develop the EMEA R&D team, including the Simulation team and the company’s shooting range, laboratory, and prototyping center.
* Lead, drive, and execute the company’s R&D strategy, scale up new designs, and help build out program functions.
* Establish priorities and translate market needs into R&D projects and new designs.
* Ensure that all R&D projects are completed within schedule and budget.
* Collaborate closely with international, internal, and external stakeholders, including the commercial team, manufacturing, operations, suppliers, and customers.
* Function as the technical face towards industry leaders
* Keep informed on industry news and trends, materials, products, services, competitors, relevant information about legacy, existing, and emerging technologies, and the latest product-line developments— develop new designs that enhance the value for customers– getting ahead of the competition.
* Present research papers and attend industry meetings, conferences, and trade shows.
* Collect and report reliability and performance metrics; direct initiatives to improve R&D bottlenecks.
* Foster a customer-focused, growth mindset to continue empowering and developing the R&D team and lead by example.
What We Expect from You
Your Work Experience & Education:
* Master’s degree in engineering or physics (materials, composites, ceramics, or related field of study)
* 10 years of R&D experience in any of the above fields. Ballistic experience is a must.
* Robust manufacturing experience
* International experience is a must.
* Must qualify for NATO secret clearance.
* Willing to travel up to 25%, mostly within Europe.
Your Skills, Traits & Style:
* Superior contemporary leadership skills defined by:
* Pro-active leadership to build a highly innovative and customer-focused R&D team in different countries.
* Business mindset with the ability to identify, implement, and drive change.
* Outstanding external and internal stakeholder management skills
* Commitment to fostering an inclusive team culture and environment, creating a climate for success and innovation.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
* Approachable—a good listener, highly collaborative
* Pragmatic—you get things done. High energy and drive
* Hands-on, Can-do, Can-try approach
We offer more than just a job
* A team-focused work environment where your efforts are noticed.
* The satisfaction of providing solutions to those who protect countries and communities around the world.
* An opportunity to be part of a leading, innovative global company.
* A competitive compensation with excellent benefits