Programme Manager - Development & Innovation

Programme Manager - Development & Innovation: County Louth.

Main Purpose of Role:
The role is part of the R&D team responsible for the delivery of all new products to the business, and for the continuous improvement of products, processes, and people. Activities are matched to the Divisional strategic roadmap and the requirements of the New Product Introduction (NPI) and the Value Improvement (VI) processes, the company operating procedures, and European and UK regulatory standards.

The Programme Manager Development & Innovation is required to lead all engineering development & innovation related activity in the R&D team in the delivery of the NPI project programme and the development of the competence centre within R&D. The Programme Manager – Development & Innovation is responsible for supporting the Head of Development & Innovation to optimise and deliver the activity in the function, deliver the training and peer support to develop the Engineer competencies identified, and support initiatives for the continuous development of the function, and demonstrating excellent competencies in the team.
The Programme Manager - Development & Innovation will support the development of a positive and outward looking culture which is performance driven, respected and results focused.

Key Accountabilities:
• Deliver programme of Development related activity for NPI and Value Improvement VI activity in full, to time and to cost to meet the agreed objectives and requirements of the R&D programme.
• Deliver Programmes of agreed Innovation activity and defined projects in line with the objectives of the business.
• Maintain a sound theoretical approach to technology and demonstrate practical application of engineering knowledge in planning and specifying activities and problem solving/solution evaluation.
• Promote innovation and advancement in technology and participate in or specify research and development.
• Knowledge and understanding of regulations and standards related to area of competence and general awareness of regulations and standards in all areas.
• Contribution to continuous improvement, ensuring ongoing review of technology, processes and outcomes and implementation of new initiatives.
• Assess and control of third-party expertise / contractors as required to meet NPI and VI process programmes.

• Lead and complete activities in full, to time and cost to meet the requirements of the programme.
• Deliver development & innovation engineer continuous professional development to meet programme requirements.
• Ensure effective and efficient utilisation of resource in fulfilling the R&D programme.
• Lead by example – be a role model.
• Achieve results through others, effective delegation and leveraging both team and individual strengths, identifying strengths of self and other to enhance team performance.
• Be a positive coach, responsible for team development.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills, share information and knowledge to support effective decision making.
• Develop and maintain constructive relationships with colleagues.
• Undertake supplier liaison against the requirements of the vendor management process.
• Build understanding of customers and markets and work with others to improve customer service.

Interested candidates should have expertise in:

• Leading and mentoring of Engineers, up to date principles in technology, performance optimisation, validation and test methodology.
• Knowledge and understanding of engineering principles in relevant technology and competence centre fields to fulfil the requirement of the role.
• Strong background in product research and development, and continuous improvement, in a technical or engineering or manufacturing discipline.
• Excellent technical experience and advanced knowledge of own or professional discipline, and a working knowledge of other disciplines.
• Experience and practitioner in effective planning and implementation of design activity.

• Strong analytical and critical reasoning skills, with effective decision-making skills and implementation of solutions.
• Team player with excellent communication and networking skills with strong drive, initiative, and self-motivation.
• Ability to balance competing priorities, create focus and drive issues to completion.
• Awareness of markets and customers.

• Degree and/or professional qualification in relevant technical/engineering discipline or substantial hands-on operational experience in equivalent product development R&D/mechanical or industrial applications development field/appropriate general engineering environment.

• Significant and relevant post- qualification experience in a wide range of engineering and new product design and introduction roles (minimum 10 years).

It would be an advantage (not essential) to have experience in some or all of the following areas:

• Ventilation and heat recovery, heat pump systems, thermodynamics, thermal and electrical material properties, heat transfer, fluid flow, mass flow and fluid dynamics, functional concept development, hydronic circuit operation and control, hot water systems, heating and hot water regulation and approval, conformity, risk assessment, performance and reliability validation and testing programme design and delivery. Working with approval bodies.