Director Segment Innovation & Advanced Development (SIAD)

Join Envalior!

We are seeking a Director to lead Envalior’s global Science, Innovation & Application Development organization (SIAD) and help shape the future of our business. SIAD is the engine that transforms scientific excellence and technology leadership into breakthrough, segment‑driven innovations and differentiated application solutions for global and regional customers.

Our mission is to build a world‑class R&D organization that sets strategic direction beyond today’s market needs. By combining deep scientific expertise with bold innovation, we aim to anticipate future customer challenges, unlock new applications, and create sustainable competitive advantage through cutting‑edge technologies.

At the heart of this ambition is a strong belief in people as the drivers of innovation. We are committed to building high‑performing, diverse teams that are empowered to explore, create, and challenge the status quo — making a meaningful impact across industries and markets worldwide.

As part of this journey, you will shape Envalior’s long‑term innovation agenda, define technology roadmaps for key innovation areas, and lead the realization of application innovations in targeted segments. You will act as the integrator between R&D, commercial teams, and customers — bridging today’s value creation with tomorrow’s opportunities — while building and scaling global application expertise that secures Envalior’s future competitiveness.

Main Responsibilities

Set the innovation direction by defining and owning global technology and application roadmaps for key innovation segments, aligned with business strategy and focused on closing critical technology gaps.

Drive innovation from strategy to impact by translating roadmaps into clear execution plans with defined milestones, resources, and deliverables. Lead application innovation from concept to implementation, including incubation, MVP/prototyping, and business handover.

Act as the global integrator of application and technology expertise, ensuring transparency, alignment, and reuse of know‑how across regions and functions.

Build and scale global application expertise, ensuring availability and accessibility of application know‑how for both internal teams and external customers, and strengthening capabilities within application development and engineering teams.

Lead Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) as a core strategic capability, positioning it as a customer‑facing door opener for early OEM/ODM collaboration. Ensure global coordination and harmonization of CAE tools, methods, software, hardware, and skills.

Maintain and expand expertise in post‑processing and manufacturing technologies, including welding, laser marking, NMT, SMT, and related operations, ensuring strong support for internal and external stakeholders.

Embed sustainability, circular economy, and regulatory perspectives into technology scouting, application development, and innovation roadmaps.

Lead a global, multidisciplinary SIAD organization by developing high‑performing teams, building talent and succession pipelines, and balancing near‑term value delivery with long‑term innovation.

Translate innovation into business value, enabling early customer engagement, supporting IP generation, strengthening Envalior’s positioning as an innovation partner, and ensuring effective handover to R&D, commercial, and business line organizations.

Represent SIAD externally and internally, building strong networks with customers, partners, startups, and innovation ecosystems while ensuring cross‑functional alignment.

Leads organizational transformation by balancing near‑term value delivery with long‑term ambition, protecting space for future‑oriented innovation while ensuring effective business translation, and driving the adoption of new technologies, operating models, and mindsets across global R&D and commercial interfaces.

Requirements:
• Master’s degree in Engineering, Natural Sciences, Materials/Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or Business Innovation
• Ph.D. preferred, not required
• 10+ years in innovation, R&D, advanced development, venturing, or marketing‑related roles in international B2B environments, with 5+ years leading global, multidisciplinary teams
• Experience translating technology into market‑relevant solutions
• Cross‑industry exposure (automotive, electronics, consumer goods) or innovation consulting valued
• Polymer/materials background beneficial but not essential
• Customer‑facing and global/matrix experience preferred
• Proven people and team management capability

Key Skills & Competencies

• Innovation incubation (scouting → MVP → handover)
• Strategic thinking and foresight
• Operating effectively in ambiguity
• Business model innovation mindset
• Strong communication and stakeholder influencing skills
• IP awareness and portfolio mindset
• Technical credibility in materials, applications, and manufacturing (e.g. injection molding, compounding, testing)
• Change expert, balancing short‑term impact with long‑term ambition.
• Fluent in English (additional European language a plus)
• Willing to travel 25–30%
• Location: Dormagen or Geleen (office‑based / hybrid)

Benefits:
WHY ENVALIOR?

Competitive Compensation:

Join us at Envalior and enjoy competitive compensation packages, inclusive of a global bonus program and performance bonuses, ensuring your hard work is recognized and rewarded.

Comprehensive Benefits:

Your well-being matters to us. At Envalior, we provide an array of benefits supporting your financial security, health, and overall well-being. This includes retirement plans, health programs, life insurance, and comprehensive medical care.

Work-Life Balance & Flexibility:

Maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life with Envalior's commitment to supporting your schedule.

Training & Development Opportunities:

At Envalior, your growth matters. We encourage and invest in your professional and personal development. We support our employees in their growth and personal development through ongoing investment in their knowledge and skills via training, coaching, and mentoring.

Diversity & Inclusion:

At Envalior, our people drive our success, so it’s only right that we provide a diverse and inclusive working environment and foster a culture of belonging, openness, and respect. We value diversity as a cornerstone of our success. We are committed to nurturing and empowering every individual to reach their full potential.

APPLY NOW!

Ready to pioneer change with Envalior? Join us in our mission to drive innovation, sustainability, and excellence. Apply today and become a part of our transformative journey towards a more sustainable future.

Submit your application online by sending your CV and motivation letter in English through our If you have any questions, feel free to connect directly with our recruiter Anne Thomas at [email protected]

Envalior is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].

OUR HERITAGE

With a combined heritage of over 100 years, Envalior brings together two established global materials players: DSM Engineering Materials and LANXESS High Performance Materials. Our unique combined portfolio of longstanding material-, application-, and design expertise enables our customers to develop and launch sustainable future-proof designs. Envalior is the brand new materials powerhouse that was Launched in early 2023.

We aim to be a global leader in sustainable and high-performance engineering materials. We imagine the future by shaping the world of today and tomorrow. We’re conscious that this is both a privilege and a responsibility – so, when we imagine the future, we’re guided by our key values to help us create a better world.