Ph3The position /h3 pThe RD Director Safety Jogger will spearhead the innovation and product development initiatives, ensuring alignment with the strategic goals of operational excellence and sustainability of the Cortina Group. This role demands a visionary leader with a passion for processes and process innovation, product innovation, adept at managing complex product portfolios, and experienced in product lifecycle management. The ideal candidate will foster a culture of continuous improvement, data-driven decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration to propel the fast-growing Safety Jogger brand to new heights. /p h3Key Result Areas /h3 ul libStrategic Leadership: /b /li liDevelop and implement RD strategies that align with the company’s mission and growth objectives. /li liStay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes to inform product development. /li liTranslate customer needs and market trends into successful product launches. /li liLead the end‑to‑end product development process, from ideation to market launch, ensuring timely delivery of innovative safety footwear and apparel. /li liPromote a culture of continuous improvement, focusing on enhancing existing products and optimizing SKU management. /li liManage and optimize the route‑to‑market in close collaboration with marketing and operations. /li libOperational Excellence: /b /li liImplement best practices and RD methodologies (such as stage gate process) in process development and integration to streamline RD operations. /li liCollaborate with supply chain, quality assurance and sales teams to ensure seamless product integration and scalability. /li liStrive for operational excellence in collaboration with the Group COO. /li libSustainability Initiatives: /b /li liIntegrate sustainable practices into product design and development, prioritizing eco‑friendly materials and processes while safeguarding the brand market positioning. /li liSet and monitor sustainability goals, ensuring compliance with environmental standards and regulations. /li liManage, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of RD professionals (including the Technical Director and Product Development Director), fostering a collaborative, and innovative work environment. /li liIdentify skill gaps and facilitate professional development opportunities to build a high‑performing team. /li libData‑Driven Decision Making: /b /li liUtilize data analytics to drive product development decisions, assess market trends, and measure project performance. /li liImplement metrics to evaluate the success of RD initiatives and inform strategic planning. /li liStrong interest in optimizing our processes through AI. /li libCross‑Functional Collaboration: /b /li liWork closely with marketing, sales, supply chain, and manufacturing departments to ensure cohesive product strategies and successful market introductions. /li liEngage with external partners, suppliers, and industry experts to enhance innovation and stay competitive. /li /ul h3Qualifications /h3 ul liBachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Product Design, or a related field. /li liMinimum of 10 years’ experience in RD operations with at least 5 years in a leadership role. /li liProven track record in managing complex product portfolios and leading successful product development projects. /li liExperience in the footwear and/or workwear sector is a strong asset. /li liStrong understanding of product lifecycle management and supply chain processes. /li liCommitment to sustainability and experience in implementing eco‑friendly practices in product development. /li liExceptional leadership and team‑building skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team. /li liHas an excellent customer centricity attitude, is more focused on developing successful products than on fundamental research. /li liExcellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities. /li liOutstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative mindset. /li liLiving on an acceptable distance of Oudenaarde, or open to relocate (at least 3 days/week presence at the Cortina HQ is necessary) and flexibility to travel about 20% of total time. /li lib(People) Leadership: /b Builds strong teams; sets ambitious goals and supports team members to achieve them; offers opportunities for personal growth and development; creates a work environment and culture that inspires to deliver outstanding results; is an inspiring people leader. /li libLong term vision strategic thinking: /b Develops a long term (RD) vision and translates this vision into short term action plans; provides direction and guidance; is innovative, identifies and creates opportunities to further enhance the financial performance. /li libDrive for results: /b Delivers results; is action oriented and takes decisions; switches smoothly between strategic thinking and hands‑on action; goes the extra mile to achieve targets and goals; is persistent and has an entrepreneurial attitude. /li libAnalytical skills: /b Has excellent analytical reasoning skills; builds strong business cases based on facts, figures and in depth analyses; has a digital mindset; uses Big Data to take decisions and build strong business cases. /li libEmbodies Cortina’s Core PECT Values: /b Passion – Excellence – Commitment – Team Spirit. /li /ul /p #J-18808-Ljbffr