Regional Innovation Project Manager (R&D)

About the role:

As a Regional Innovation Project Manager, you will lead and drive the innovation project portfolio across the IMEA region, managing strategic initiatives from concept through commercialization. You will collaborate with R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations, and Commercial teams to deliver innovative solutions that support business growth and market competitiveness. The role focuses on portfolio governance, resource planning, risk management, and cross-functional alignment to ensure successful project execution and commercial outcomes. You will also provide leadership to project teams, drive stakeholder engagement, and foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Master's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Business or a related field.
• Experience in project management, program management, portfolio management, innovation or product development.
• Proven experience leading complex cross-functional projects from idea through commercialization.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and stakeholders in a dynamic business environment.
• Experience in automotive, adhesives, sealants, coatings, chemicals, or related industries is highly desirable.
• Previous people leadership experience, including coaching and developing project teams.
• Strong project and portfolio management capabilities, including planning, prioritization, governance, and resource management.
• Ability to create structure, transparency, and clear decision-making processes across a broad project portfolio.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills with the ability to align diverse functions behind common objectives.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including interaction with senior management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to identify risks early and drive effective mitigation and escalation processes.
• Results-oriented mindset with a strong focus on execution and delivering business impact.
• Ability to lead through collaboration and influence in a matrix organization.
• Comfortable working in an international and multicultural environment across the IMEA region.
• Passion for innovation and translating strategy into successful project execution and commercial results.