R&D Dev. Center Manager

R&D Development Center Manager

Location: Cusset, FR Bellignat, FR La Genete, FR Besancon, FR Moirans, FR Bouxwiller, FR La Roche, FR Marolles, FR Montpont, FR Offranville, FR Saint Georges, FR

Department: R&D/Innovation Management

Job Type: Employee (Full Time, On site)

About The Role

The R&D Development Center Manager leads and develops a team of six research and development professionals, driving the design and delivery of innovative rigid plastic packaging solutions aligned with Fast Moving Consumer Goods customer needs and sustainability targets. Based primarily in St Georges with regular travel to Cusset approximately every two weeks, the role combines technical leadership, people management and cross‑functional collaboration to commercialise new packaging solutions and shape Amcor's long‑term innovation strategy. The position reports to the South R&D Director and offers a clear path towards regional or global R&D leadership roles.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the R&D team to design and deliver innovative rigid plastic packaging solutions aligned with customer needs and sustainability targets
• Drive the innovation pipeline including lightweighting, recyclability, reuse and post‑consumer recycled content integration, ensuring timely commercialisation of new products
• Manage cross‑functional collaboration with Sales, Marketing, Operations and key customers to translate market needs into scalable industrial solutions
• Lead key development projects including mono‑material recyclable packaging, post‑consumer recycled content integration, lightweighting initiatives and technology scouting
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with strategic Fast Moving Consumer Goods customers, external suppliers, universities and recyclers
• Ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget while strengthening team engagement and performance

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum 4‑5 years of experience in R&D leadership within rigid plastic packaging or a related Fast Moving Consumer Goods environment
• Strong technical expertise in polymers, injection moulding, in‑line and off‑line assembly and secondary operations
• Demonstrated team leadership and project management experience in a multi‑stakeholder environment
• Experience in sustainability‑driven innovation including recyclability, post‑consumer recycled content and eco‑design is a strong plus
• Exposure to Fast Moving Consumer Goods customers or prior experience in a competitor organisation is a plus
• Willingness to be based in the Lyon area and to travel regularly between sites