Director of Innovation

This role can also be based out of Germany North Rhine-Westphalia.

Pacific International has partnered with a leading chemical manufacturing organization to find a visionary Innovation Leader who will drive groundbreaking innovation as part of a dynamic growth strategy.

This is your chance to lead high-impact "Innovation Squads," exploring cutting-edge technologies and uncovering new market opportunities that will fuel business growth. As an Innovation Leader, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable products and solutions, directly impacting exciting industry trends and emerging market opportunities.

What You’ll Do:

• Define and execute the innovation strategy, delivering validated, technically feasible business cases into the innovation pipeline.
• Lead a diverse, agile team of innovation experts exploring new technologies and business opportunities.
• Build and establish an operating model for front-end innovation, driving collaboration across teams and setting key metrics and KPIs.
• Develop a foresight operation that provides crucial insights to fuel strategic decisions and future growth.
• Spearhead opportunistic technology scouting to identify and unlock new business opportunities.
• Build a network of external partners, innovation providers, and industry experts to open doors to fresh, innovative solutions.
• Work closely with Business Units, R&D, Platform Innovation, and Strategic Marketing teams to help prioritize and guide 5-year innovation pipelines and emerging market opportunities.
• Manage the innovation budget to ensure resources are allocated effectively and efficiently.
• Lead by example, promoting company values of Safety, Teamwork, Innovation, Accountability, and Integrity at all levels.

What We’re Looking For:

• A degree in a science or business-related field (advanced degrees are a plus).
• Proven experience leading front-end innovation functions in industries such as chemicals, FMCG, consumer health, food & drink, or pharma.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to drive strategic innovation initiatives.
• A self-starter with exceptional organizational and decision-making skills who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and align senior stakeholders on innovation strategies.

Why This Role?

• Make an Impact: You’ll have the chance to shape the future of sustainable innovation and contribute to the growth of a global leader.
• Thriving Culture: Join a company that fosters a culture of high challenge and high support, offering meaningful career development opportunities.
• Personalized Development: Your growth matters—be part of a company that values and invests in personalized career development to accelerate your journey.

Ready to take on a key leadership role in driving innovation for the future? Apply today to join a global leader committed to sustainability, technology, and excellence.

About Pacific International Executive Search:

Pacific International, a globally recognized retained executive search firm, is dedicated to empowering Fortune 500, FTSE 100, and high-growth enterprises in building exceptional C-suite, senior-level, and strategic leadership teams while championing diversity and inclusion. Our adaptability, agility, and forward-thinking ethos distinguish us in the ever-evolving business landscape.

Since 1997, we have been dedicated to building lasting client partnerships based on trust and reliability, and a proven track record of successful C-suite and mid- to senior-level leadership project delivery across many key industries globally.

PACIFIC DIVERSITY STATEMENT:

At Pacific International, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and we proudly champion diversity on behalf of our clients in every Executive Search mandate we undertake. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. In pursuit of these objectives, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.

If you are interested in exploring the opportunity further - please apply or if you want further information on the position through a confidential discussion, reach out to Sahar.akhtar@pacific-international.com .