DIVISION: Consumer Packaging International
FUNCTION: Research & Development CPI
JOB TITLE: R&D Development Center Manager
REPORTING TO: R&D Cluster Head or EVP R&D Innovation & Sustainability

LOCATION: Corby, UK- Onsite

Scope:

Lead the direction and operational excellence of the R&D Development Center, with a focus on new product implementation and quality in execution. Holding strong knowledge and skills in relevant product platforms, ensuring high levels of experience is available for support. The role involves validation and industrialization of projects 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, to ensure the proper handover to the sites for the scale up and continuous improvement process.

Travel: Around 50%

About the team:

The R&D Innovation & Sustainability team within the division of CPI is composed of experienced professionals dedicated to advancing the company´s innovation and sustainability goals. With allocations in multiple geographies having expertise across Healthcare, Homecare, Food, Beverage, Beauty and Wellness; with focus on:

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the R&D Development Center and technical team, ensuring alignment with the company’s innovation and sustainability objectives.
• Contribute and develop the roadmap of the ONE R&D CPI team to constantly improve the efficiency, creativity, business impact of the team and directly manage part of the roadmap.
• Maintaining relationships with clients and finding creative ways to expand the Business.
• Lead key projects to support business goals.
• Monitor team metrics and objectives ensuring meeting of goals.
• Serve as part of the organization’s leadership team and contribute to the development and execution of strategic decisions.
• Responsible for following and ensuring team’s adherence to the Berry Safety guidelines.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for the development center, focusing on market demands and collaborations with the different expert and advance centers.
• Oversee the execution of R&D projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Lead implementation of restaging products for existing portfolio of site of relevancy.
• Partner with key stake holders on the definition of business continuity plans and security of supply initiatives.
• Conduct all final qualifications necessary to confirm the feasibility for industrialization and prepare the required documentation for handover to the sites of production.
• Participate in continuous improvement plans and follow up on launches at site or multisite level.
• Foster a collaborative environment, working closely with cross-functional teams across Healthcare, Homecare, Food, Beverage, Beauty, and Wellness sectors (when applicable).
• Co-Leading implementation and overseeing processes streamlining, optimizing and improving product consistency.
• Manage the allocation of human resources and oversee the development 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, feedback and continuous learning.

Key performance indicators:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Biotechnology).
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in R&D, with at least 5 years in a managerial role.
• Proven track record of leading successful R&D projects and managing high-performing teams.
• Strong knowledge of industrial processes, technology and qualification principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Experience in the Healthcare, Homecare, Food, Beverage, Beauty, or Wellness sectors is highly desirable.