R&D Expert Center Manager - Healthcare

Job Description

The R&D Expert Center Manager - Healthcare will lead the strategic direction and operational excellence of the R&D Expert Center - Healthcare, with a focus on new product design in primary packaging. They will possess advanced knowledge and skills in relevant product platforms, ensuring high levels of expertise are available for support. The role involves designing and validating project briefs to meet all necessary standards and requirements, identifying and delivering on customer and competitive needs with an emphasis on cost innovation, superiority, and sustainability.

Additionally, the manager will ensure the proper handover to the Development Centers for the implementation process.

The R&D Innovation & Sustainability team within the division of RPSI-NA is composed of experienced professionals dedicated to advancing the company’s innovation and sustainability goals. The Healthcare-centric role will focus on:

• Sustainability:
  Implement and scale sustainable business practices across operations and value chain, focusing on reducing environmental impact while maximizing circularity and enhancing value creation.
• Product Innovation:
  Creating new and improved packaging designs that meet the evolving needs of customers across the primary packaging healthcare space.
• Cost Innovation:
  Value creation by reducing the costs associated with producing or delivering a product or service, while maintaining or improving its quality and performance.

• Lead and manage the R&D Expert Center and staff, ensuring alignment with the company’s innovation and sustainability objectives.
• Work with product line management to develop and implement strategic plans for the expert center, focusing on market demands, strategic growth spaces defined by sales, product and sites.
• Oversee the execution of R&D projects in the early-stage gate process phase, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Frequently report status to Project & Portfolio Manager in the cluster.
• Focus on H2/H3 development opportunities ensuring a healthy pipeline of new and valuable innovation.
• Conduct all preliminary qualifications necessary to confirm the feasibility for industrialization including risk assessment and prepare the required documentation for handover to the development centers, when applicable.
• Foster a collaborative environment, working closely with cross‑functional teams across Healthcare, Homecare, Food, Beverage, Beauty, and Wellness sectors.
• Stay abreast of emerging products and industry trends to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners, including academic institutions, research organizations, and technology providers.
• Manage the allocation of resources and oversee the expert center’s budget.
• Prepare and present technical reports, proposals, and presentations to senior management and stakeholders.
• Mentor and develop team members, promoting a culture of excellence and continuous learning.

Number of innovative products or processes developed in H2/H3 stages. Percentage of R&D projects completed on time and within budget. New intellectual property attributed to growth opportunities. Quality assessment scores of completed projects. Success rate of preliminary qualifications confirming feasibility for industrialization. Timeliness and accuracy for handover to development centers. Efficiency in resource allocation and budget management. Employee satisfaction and engagement scores within the expert center.

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field or comparable industry experience (Plastics Engineering / Packaging Degrees preferred).
• Minimum of 8 years of experience leading successful R&D projects and managing high‑performing cross‑functional teams.
• Strong knowledge of advanced technology and sustainability principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Preferred experience in the healthcare packaging field.

• Our people are engaged and developing…