Innovation Director

Company DescriptionDYKA Group, part of the Tessenderlo Group, is more than just a manufacturer of plastic piping systems. By transporting water, air, and other energy sources in a reliable, efficient, and sustainable way, we contribute every day to a better planet. Moreover, we do this using recycled or recyclable materials. That’s why we proudly call ourselves “Nature’s Network.”We are internationally active in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, the UK, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, and Romania.Job DescriptionAs Innovation Director, you play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic development of DYKA Group. You leverage innovation as a key driver of sustainable growth, competitiveness, and long-term value creation. Operating at the intersection of market trends and technological advancements, you translate external insights into tangible innovations in products, processes, and business models – specifically within the plastics processing manufacturing industry (e.g. PP/PE, PVC).With a sharp eye for opportunities and risks, you develop a forward-looking innovation roadmap that is deeply embedded in our corporate strategy. You inspire and lead international teams, forge external partnerships, and foster a culture where innovation is not just envisioned – but realized.Your Key Responsibilities1. Develop and implement a future-focused innovation strategyYou craft a clear, long-term innovation strategy aligned with our business goals for growth, automation, and sustainability. You secure its execution through a multi-year roadmap with priorities, KPIs, and business cases.2. Lead with vision and collaboration You head the Product Management, Product Development, and CEST & Sustainability departments. You empower ownership and entrepreneurship, drive cross-functional and cross-border collaboration, and accelerate innovation through alignment and momentum.3. Drive market-driven innovation You proactively identify and assess new opportunities based on customer needs, market developments, and emerging technologies – from material innovation and process optimization to smart manufacturing and circular solutions.4. Embed an innovation mindset across the organization You foster a culture of creativity, experimentation, and continuous improvement. You initiate innovation programs, facilitate inspiration sessions, and ensure that ideas are turned into real business value.5. Build and leverage strategic partnerships You develop and manage strategic collaborations with external stakeholders – from tech partners to academic institutions. You act as the internal and external ambassador of innovation, introducing new technologies and methodologies to the organization.6. Deliver innovation from idea to implementation You lead (international) innovation projects from concept to roll-out. You ensure clear governance, measurable impact (KPIs), and seamless integration into operations. You focus on business value: enhancing product quality, operational efficiency, and sustainability impact.QualificationsEducation & ExperienceAcademic working level; ideally with a degree in innovation, engineering, (industrial) design, business administration, or a related field7–10 years of experience leading strategic innovation programsAt least 2 years in the plastics processing or a comparable industrial environmentProven track record in implementing impactful innovations across products, processes, and organizational structuresExperience managing cross-functional and international teams in complex stakeholder settings.Skills & Leadership QualitiesVisionary & strategic: Able to translate trends into a robust innovation agendaInspirational leadership: You lead with clarity and trust, fostering ownership and collaborationExecution-driven: You move from idea to execution with a focus on measurable business impactStrong stakeholder manager: Adept at navigating between executives, operations, partners, and external networksAnalytical & decisive: You make sharp analyses and courageous decisionsCultural leader: A credible innovation ambassador who inspires and drives changeHands-on when needed: Strategic thinker with a practical approach