R&D Department Manager (m/f/d)

As R&D Department Manager, you will lead a multidisciplinary team and play a key role in the development and industrialization of recycled aluminium products. You are responsible for people, competencies, and technical capabilities, while driving innovation, collaboration, and sustainable material solutions across the organization.

Challenges that will make you grow

• Disciplinary and functional leadership of a multidisciplinary team of scientists, technicians, and laboratory/workshop staff
• Ownership of departmental resources and capabilities, including laboratories, testing infrastructure, and technical facilities
• Development, coaching, and performance management of team members with a focus on professional growth and future capability needs
• Strategic responsibility for competence and methodology development, including continuous improvement of characterization, testing, and simulation methods
• Definition, prioritization, and execution of investments in scientific and technical equipment
• Active contribution to strategic technology and innovation projects, enabling materials and product development through advanced characterization, data analysis, and modelling
• Establishing and strengthening the link between processing, microstructure, and material properties in close collaboration with development and application teams
• Cross ‑ functional coordination of projects and activities across departments and, where relevant, company entities
• Building and maintaining strong internal and external networks, including collaboration with technical experts, development functions, and research partners
• Contribution to organizational development by adapting structures, responsibilities, and collaboration models in line with evolving business and technology needs
• Acting as a role model for company values and leadership principles, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement

Qualifications that will get you ahead

• Master’s or PhD in a technical field
• Several years of relevant professional experience, including leadership responsibility in metal industry
• Expertise in aluminium processing, microstructure, and material properties is preferable
• Experience with data analysis, statistics, modelling, and digital or AI ‑ supported approaches is an advantage
• Confident leadership style with strong communication and organizational skills
• Good German and very good English language skills
• Willingness to travel occasionally; Class B driver’s license required

Our Benefits

• Attractive compensation package
• Excellent further training opportunities
• Respectful and collegial corporate culture
• Sports & and health promotion (e.g. Urban Sports)
• Work-life balance
• Canteen
• Company pension plan and pension plan according to collective agreement
• Corporate Benefits portal with many discounts
• Subsidized Jobticket
• Access to the Handelshof in Düsseldorf and HH-Harburg
• Job Bike

We expressly emphasize that all people - regardless of gender/gender identity, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability or equality, age, and sexual orientation - are equally welcome at our company.

Applications from severely disabled persons and persons with equal disabilities will be considered if they are equally qualified.