Lead Technical Development & Head of PU Application Lab

About the role

We are seeking a senior leader to drive technical development and head the Polyurethane (PU) Application Development Lab. The role supports customers and sales teams with technical solutions, manages PMU projects, and identifies market opportunities for PU systems in footwear, sports and leisure.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical service and development support to customers and sales, translating needs into material and process solutions.
• Identify and develop new applications for the polyurethane portfolio, initiating product development and fine‑tuning formulations.
• Coordinate with the lab, QA and PD teams to resolve complaints, manage joint development projects and ensure timely NCM closure.
• Align technical services with regional sales strategies, manage resources and drive customer‑driven innovations.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders across the value chain to translate success stories into business growth.
• Oversee standardisation of lab‑developed products for production and support localisation of raw‑material alternatives.

Required profile

• Proven senior‑level experience in polyurethane product development or related chemical engineering fields.
• Strong background in technical service, project management and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Ability to lead a lab team, manage resources and drive innovation in a fast‑moving market.

Required skills

• Polyurethane formulation development
• Product development and fine‑tuning
• Technical service and support
• Project management
• Lab coordination and quality assurance
• Technical marketing for chemical products