Company Overview: We are a leading Malaysian disposable glove manufacturer with a proud legacy of delivering high-quality gloves for healthcare, food, industrial, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical sectors. Our materials include natural rubber, nitrile rubber, chloroprene and polyisoprene. We are committed to innovation and aim to push the boundaries of glove manufacturing with groundbreaking materials and designs that set industry standards.
Key Responsibilities:
The Head of Innovation will spearhead the development of revolutionary glove products that set new industry benchmarks, with a primary focus on material innovation. Additionally, this leader will drive improvements in cost efficiency, product performance, and the introduction of new features. The ideal candidate is required to possess a proven track record of delivering innovative products that achieve significant commercial success, while also demonstrating strong leadership capabilities to manage, motivate, and develop a high-performing team.
Innovation Strategy:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive innovation strategy, prioritizing material innovation while also exploring opportunities for cost reduction, enhanced product performance, and the introduction of new features.
- Stay ahead of emerging trends and market opportunities, identify technologies and materials that can be leveraged to enhance companys competitive edge.
Team Leadership and Development:
- Manage, motivate, guide, coach, and mentor the innovation team to foster a strong, cohesive, and high-performing group.
- Build a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team.
- Develop team members skills and career paths, ensuring they grow in their roles and contribute effectively to the company's innovation goals.
Material Innovation:
- Lead the exploration and development of new materials that offer superior performance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, differentiating our gloves from competitors.
- Drive research into alternative materials that could reduce reliance on traditional inputs, offering new avenues for product innovation.
Cost, Performance, and Feature Enhancement:
- Identify and implement strategies to reduce production costs without compromising quality, ensuring our products remain competitive in price-sensitive markets.
- Lead efforts to enhance product performance and introduce new features that meet evolving customer needs.
Commercial Success:
- Ensure that innovation projects are aligned with market demands and business goals, driving not only technological advancement but also commercial viability.
- Work closely with the sales and marketing teams to ensure that new products are successfully positioned and launched in the market, achieving targeted revenue and growth.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Work closely with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, QA, marketing, and sales, to ensure alignment and successful product launches.
- Collaborate with external partners, such as universities, research institutions, and suppliers, to leverage external expertise and resources.
Project Management:
- Manage multiple innovation projects simultaneously, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
- Establish metrics and KPIs to measure the success and impact of innovation projects, including cost savings, performance improvements, feature adoption, and commercial success.
Continuous Improvement:
- Drive continuous improvement in the innovation process, identifying areas for optimization and implementing best practices across the team.
Key Qualifications and Experience:
- PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related field.
- Minimum 15 years of experience in R&D, product development, or innovation roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership position.
- Proven track record of delivering innovative products that have achieved significant commercial success, preferably in the healthcare industry
Technical Expertise
- Strong knowledge of materials science, particularly polymers and elastomers
- Experience with sustainable materials and green chemistry is highly desirable.
- Expertise in cost engineering, product performance optimization, and feature innovation.
Leadership and Team Development:
- Demonstrated ability to manage, motivate, and develop a team of researchers and developers.
- Strong coaching and mentoring skills, with a focus on building a high-performing, cohesive team.
- Ability to foster a collaborative and innovative team culture that encourages creativity and continuous learning.
Innovative and Commercial Mindset:
- Passionate about innovation with a strong desire to push the boundaries of what is possible.
- Ability to think creatively and translate ideas into commercially successful products.
Communication and Collaboration:
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Experience working in a cross-functional environment, fostering collaboration across departments.
Global Perspective:
- Understanding of global market trends and the ability to tailor innovations to meet diverse customer needs.
What We Offer:
- Global Leadership Role. Be at the forefront of innovation in the worlds leading glove manufacturing company. This is your opportunity to shape the future of an industry that touches lives globally, ensuring that your ideas and innovations have a wide-reaching impact.
- Drive Sustainable Change. Lead initiatives that promote sustainable product development and eco-friendly manufacturing practices. Your work will not only contribute to the companys success but also support global environmental goals, allowing you to make a meaningful difference.
- High-Impact Role. This is a pivotal role within the company, directly influencing business strategy and growth. Youll have the autonomy to drive significant projects from ideation to execution, ensuring that your contributions are both recognized and rewarded.
- Growth and Development. Benefit from a culture that values continuous learning and professional development. Youll have opportunities to expand your skills, explore new areas of expertise, and grow your career in a dynamic, supportive environment.
- Attractive Compensation. Receive a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, profit sharing and a comprehensive benefits package. Additionally, youll have access to professional development programs and potential long-term incentives tied to the companys success.
- Global Exposure. Engage with international teams, partners, and markets, gaining global exposure and experience. This role offers a platform to build a truly global network and work on projects that span across multiple regions.
- Personal Fulfillment. Experience the satisfaction of knowing that your work directly contributes to improving safety, health, and well-being around the world. This role offers a unique blend of professional achievement and personal fulfillment.
