Director Innovation & New Business Development Avery Europe (m/w/d)

The Director of Innovation and New Business Development is a key strategic leader responsible for driving growth for Avery Europe through the identification, development, and implementation of new business opportunities and innovative solutions. It is based with Avery Zweckform in Oberlaindern/Munich.

As member of the European Core Leadership Team this management role is working closely with senior leadership to shape the European company’s innovation strategy, cultivate partnerships, and spearhead new business ventures that align with the company’s vision and goals. Being at the helm of innovation and New Business Development, this role requires a visionary and creative leader who fosters a culture of innovation and forward thinking within the European organization and who works closely with the business leaders and marketing heads in the country organizations to develop and drive the growth agenda for Avery in Europe forward. Objective is to build and maintain long-term competitive advantage through new and adjacent products & solutions helping the brand to defend and expand its leading product and service proposition on the market.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning: Develop and execute with the countries the company’s innovation strategy to drive growth and competitive advantage, including identifying emerging trends, consumer and industry insights, market opportunities, and potential technologies that could affect the business.

• New Business Development: Identify, assess, and prioritize new business opportunities, including partnerships, acquisitions, and market expansions. Lead the evaluation and implementation of new business initiatives.

• Innovation Management: Establish an innovation framework or process that encourages creative thinking and the generation of new ideas, manage the innovation pipeline and oversee the development and commercialization of new products and services within and beyond the existing brand proposition.

• Market Research: Conduct comprehensive market research to understand customer needs, competitive landscape, and industry trends. Use insights to drive strategic decision-making and innovation efforts.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with R&D teams, marketing, sales, and operations teams to ensure successful execution of innovation projects and new business ventures. Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to achieve strategic objectives.

• Partnerships and Networking: Build and maintain relationships with external ecosystems, such as industry experts, business leaders, startups, research institutions, and other partners to work on a steady flow of ideas and projects from ideation to implementation. Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities.

• Performance Metrics: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of innovation and new business development initiatives. Monitor progress, analyze results, and make data-driven recommendations for improvement.

• Budget Management: Develop and manage budgets for innovation projects and new business ventures. Ensure effective allocation of resources and cost control.

• Drive Execution: Leading and managing specific innovation and new business projects in close cooperation with relevant stakeholders in the country organizations.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Engineering, or a related field -  MBA or advanced degree is preferred

• Proven experience in innovation management, new business development, or a related field, with a track record of successfully launching new products or business ventures

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze market trends and identify opportunities for growth

• Excellent leadership and project management skills, with experience managing cross-functional teams and driving complex initiatives

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships with senior executives, partners, and other stakeholders

• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively

• Knowledge of industry-specific trends and technologies is a plus

• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English and German (other European languages are additional advantage)

• A diverse and international range of tasks with a high level of responsibility in an excellent team

• A relaxed and unconventional work atmosphere with flat hierarchies and short decision-making processes

• A company car also for private use

• An open and modern leadership culture

• A location with great recreational value—perfect for swimming, hiking, skiing, biking, and golfing—Upper Bavarian lakes and mountains nearby

• An attractive package including an actively promoted health program, e-charging stations and free parking, company events, employee profit-sharing, company-leased bicycles, childcare subsidies, mobile office options, and much more