Cluster Design and Innovation Manager

We are looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Cluster Design & Innovation Manager to lead design innovation and creative packaging development across our Hungarian cluster. This role is critical in driving customer-centric innovation strengthening market competitiveness and supporting profitable growth through outstanding design and technical expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and implement the Design & Innovation (D&I) strategy across the cluster ensuring alignment with divisional goals
• Manage and develop the Pack Right Centre and design teams driving excellence in creative technical and manufacturing design
• Deliver innovative packaging solutions that meet customer needs and market trends
• Lead customer workshops and collaborate closely with Sales Marketing and Operations to create impactful design solutions
• Oversee the full lifecycle of packaging development including concept creation prototyping and implementation
• Optimize existing products to improve efficiency quality and cost performance
• Ensure designs are aligned with manufacturing capabilities and cluster standards
• Drive cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing across sites and regions
• Manage the cluster D&I budget and ensure efficient resource allocation
• Lead coach and develop a high-performing design and innovation team

Customer & Market Focus

• Build a deep understanding of customer requirements market trends and retail expectations
• Strengthen customer relationships through innovation workshops and joint development projects
• Identify opportunities to create value through packaging innovation and design excellence

Your Profile

• Degree in design packaging technology or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Proven experience in managing design teams in a manufacturing environment
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials technologies and testing processes
• Experience in customer-facing innovation and workshop facilitation
• Strategic mindset with strong commercial awareness
• Excellent leadership communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work effectively in a matrix and cross-functional environment
• Proficiency with design tools (e.g. ArtiosCAD 3D design software) and Microsoft Office
• Fluent English and native-level Hungarian (both written and spoken)

What We Offer

• A strategic leadership role with high business impact
• Opportunity to shape innovation and design capabilities at cluster level
• International environment with strong collaboration across regions
• Home-office opportunity

If you are passionate about innovation customer value creation and leading creative teams we look forward to your application.

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