Technical Lead Innovation

Are you the Technical Lead Innovation who helps shape the further development of R&D at Bayards with technical depth, strategic overview and a collaborative mindset?
Then read on and apply.
At Bayards, we are looking for a Technical Lead Innovation who brings together technology, development and innovation. In this role, you will contribute to the further development of R&D and innovation within the organisation and help translate ideas and opportunities into concrete technical solutions.
You will work across the different business units and contribute to knowledge sharing, alignment and cohesion within Bayards. This role also requires regular presence at Bayards’ various locations.
About Bayards  Bayards is a technically oriented organisation that develops and delivers high-quality aluminium solutions, constructions and custom applications. Quality, craftsmanship and collaboration are central to everything we do. Within our different business units, we work every day on technical solutions with a focus on feasibility, reliability and long-term performance.
To further strengthen our innovation capabilities, we are creating this new role in which technology, development and innovation come together.
What will you do?
Develop and implement Bayards’ R&D and innovation strategy across the organisation, in coordination with the business unit directors and in collaboration with project and sales teams.
Identify relevant technological trends, market developments and partnership opportunities.
Translate strategic opportunities into a technological roadmap with clear objectives, priorities and innovation themes.
Lead and coordinate R&D activities and development projects focused on new aluminium constructions, product optimisation and sustainable material use.
Guide design validation, testing and the implementation of new technologies.
Coordinate with Project Management, Sales and other involved departments on technical feasibility, customer needs and the integration of innovations into commercial propositions.
Ensure technical quality, safety and compliance with standards and specifications.
Build and maintain relationships with knowledge institutes, universities, suppliers and technology partners.
Act as the point of contact for innovation within Bayards and contribute to a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
Prepare and manage the R&D budget, while also monitoring progress, results and return on innovation projects.
Coordinate WBSO applications and provide input and reporting for the supporting documentation, in collaboration with finance and external advisers.
For this role, we are looking for a professional with substantive knowledge of engineering, development and collaboration. In addition, you have:
A completed university-level degree, preferably in Mechanical Engineering, Maritime Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering or Materials Science.
At least 10 years of experience in R&D, engineering or technical product development.
Proven experience working with multidisciplinary technical teams.
Experience in innovation management, product development or technical innovation.

Experience with WBSO or other subsidy schemes is a strong advantage.
Affinity with aluminium constructions and/or metal processing is a plus.
Fluency in both Dutch and English, spoken and written.
Strong communication skills and persuasiveness, both in technical and commercial contexts.
An analytical, results-driven and collaborative working style.
The ability to bring structure, set priorities and monitor progress in a dynamic environment.
What do we offer?  We offer an exciting and varied position within a technically strong organisation, with room to build further on innovation and development together with your colleagues. You will join an environment where collaboration, quality and craftsmanship are important.
In addition, we work in line with the Metalektro collective labour agreement and offer an excellent package of employment conditions, including:
A salary that matches your knowledge and experience.
40 days off per year: 27 vacation days + 13 ADV days based on a full-time contract.
Collective health insurance with attractive…