Function
As a core member of the R&D team you own the development process, initiate collaborative new product development (NPD) projects with customers and drive them all the way from ideation through scale up and successful commercialization. In balancing technical improvements with competitive cost-in-use, you build solid external and internal credibility. You report to the Development Manager.
Responsibilities
- Own, drive, coordinate and support product development activity within the assigned projects (across internal and external stakeholders).
- Form a natural tandem with the sales team, including assisting in customer interactions
- You are in continuous alignment with customer organizations and vendors, as well as with the broader local and global Milliken teams.
- Document progress towards customers and in internal information systems, with a focus on reducing the number of iterations in any given project and optimizing end-to-end cycle times.
- Stay up to speed on innovation trends and regulatory changes and translate these successfully into customer solutions to maintain Milliken’s reputation as a strategic partner in NPD.
- You play a key role in the positioning of Milliken as a premium player in its markets (at times represent Milliken and the business unit, its capabilities and its strategy at industry events, associations or industry bodies)
- Work closely with the manufacturing, sourcing and finance teams to identify & advocate investments needed to stimulate business growth and projects to improve cost competitiveness.
Profile
- Bachelor or master’s degree in textile technology, chemistry or material science.
- 5 years of relevant experience in product development, innovation and building up application know how.
- Accurate, analytical and work with attention to detail.
- Able to exhibit good balance between creativity and applied practical execution
- Strong interpersonal skills and feeling comfortable interacting with a wide variety of technical and sales people.
- A good communicator and a customer-oriented attitude.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize.
- Efficient communication skills in English.
- Good knowledge of MS Office.
- Willing to travel occasionally to customers and industry events (25%).
Offer
A challenging technical job with high responsibility in an international and stable company that’s located in the center of Ghent. You will be a key contributor to the growth of our company and will be part of a driven, dynamic team. Besides education and training we offer an attractive compensation package, including company car, hospitalization and group insurance, meal vouchers, flexible hours etc.
