Head of New Applications Research 80-100%

Omya is a leading global producer of essential minerals and a worldwide distributor of specialty materials. Founded in Switzerland in 1884 and privately owned, we employ 9,000 people across 160 plants in 50 countries. Omya provides added-value products and services from responsibly sourced materials to meet the needs of current and future generations.

This position reports directly to the Vice President of Research & Development Services. You will be part of the R&D Management Team, contributing to shaping the strategic direction of our innovation initiatives and serving as a key networker with our technology centers in Europe, the USA, and Asia. The position is being advertised as the current job holder is retiring, providing a unique opportunity to lead and shape this crucial role for the future.

• Develop and lead New Applications Research to drive innovation and become the number one business partner for strategic Innovation across all market segments.
• Create sustainable material concepts and innovative solutions for cross-industry challenges.
• Promote entrepreneurial creativity and agile Innovation practices, emphasizing transformation and business thinking to create impactful new business models.

Strategic Innovation Development:

• Identify and adapt cross-industry technologies.
• Develop market-ready solution concepts, including prototypes.
• Implement agile and scalable solutions.

Team Leadership and Competency Development:

• Lead a team of 14 employees and motivate them through targeted development.
• Foster a culture of creativity and collaboration.
• Embody an entrepreneurial mindset and actively encourage this mindset in the team.

Global Market Strategy:

• Analyze technology trends and market developments.
• Build strategic partnerships with academia and industry.

Transformation:

• Implement new working methods and structures.
• Collaborate closely with the management team and actively shape the company strategy.

Academic Background: PhD degree in physics, material sciences, civil engineering, or related fields; MBA or comparable additional qualification is a plus.

Experience: 10+ years of leadership experience in industrial research and development, preferably in an international environment.

Innovation Methods: Knowledge of design thinking, agile methods, and Lean Startup approaches.

Creative mindset: Combined with hands-on experience in research facilities and labs, which sees potentials when they are popping up

• A bold leader with vision and decisiveness.
• Creativity and curiosity for technological and interdisciplinary innovations.
• Global mindset and cultural sensitivity.

• Leading People, Drive Change, Interaction, Communication, Delivery.
• Structured Approach, Client Orientation, Business Responsibility.
• Rational Analysis, Decision Making & Judgement, Creative and Strategic Thinking.
• Drive, Resilience, Self-Awareness, Integrity.

Languages: Proficient in German and English (C2).

Work Environment: Flexible and hybrid work models are supported.

• A strategically significant key role with ample room for innovation.
• A dynamic, international work environment that fosters innovation and diversity.
• The opportunity to develop groundbreaking solutions and actively contribute to the company's transformation.

Simone Michelotti, HR Business Partner

T. +41 62 789 25 27