Director of Innovation
Solliciteren
Plaats
Ronse9600
Oost-Vlaanderen
België
Contract
Vooltijds, Onbepaalde duurDatum gepubliceerd
2026-02-13Online to:
2026-04-14EUR 15.00 HOUR
Director of Innovation
- ITZU Talent Recruitment
- Oost-Vlaanderen
- 10 uren geleden
Utexbel is a Belgian family-owned textile company with nearly 100 years of excellence. A pioneer in high-quality technical textiles, Utexbel provides innovative solutions for protective clothing, workwear and specialized industrial applications. Their fully integrated production, from fibers to finished fabrics, ensures unmatched quality, traceability and compliance.
Following major tender wins, Utexbel is accelerating its growth, with production set to increase by 50 percent.
ITZU Executive Search has been mandated to support Utexbel in recruiting a Director of Innovation & Processes who can combine strategic vision with operational excellence. This role is central to Utexbel's ambition to remain a global leader in technical textiles for protective clothing and workwear.
Roles and responsibilities
This is a broad, high-impact role. The Director will define, implement, and optimise Utexbel's innovation strategy and production processes across spinning, weaving, dyeing, and finishing.
They will lead R&D projects, collaborate with universities and research institutes, and ensure that quality, sustainability, and process excellence are embedded across the organisation.
The Director will also lead a team of around 10 specialists, including laboratory staff, and act as the technical reference for the entire company.
Key Responsibilities
Define and implement innovation and process strategies that support Utexbel's growth and sustainability objectives.
Lead R&D initiatives and ensure smooth transfer from laboratory innovations to industrial-scale production.
Maintain and enhance quality management systems, certifications, and audit readiness.
Collaborate with external partners, universities, and research institutes to drive technical innovation.
Serve as a central interface for IT and digitalisation projects, leveraging data to optimise processes.
Guide and mentor the team, fostering a culture of technical excellence and proactive problem-solving.
Ensure operational improvements and innovations are measurable, sustainable, and impactful.
Requirements
Advanced degree in Textile Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
Extensive experience in innovation, process management, R&D, or quality systems within manufacturing environments.
Demonstrated leadership with a track record of managing multidisciplinary teams.
Strong analytical and strategic thinking, combined with practical operational expertise.
Excellent communication skills, comfortable with audits, certifications, and reporting to senior management.
Bilingual in French and Dutch required; proficiency in English is a strong asset.
Perks and benefits
Utexbel relies on ITZU to identify a candidate who can bridge innovation and operational execution someone capable of shaping the company's technical direction while upholding the highest quality standards.
This role is pivotal in supporting Utexbel's growth and maintaining its reputation as a market leader in technical textiles across Europe.
Influence the future of innovation and processes in a stable, growing family business.
Key strategic position with significant autonomy and responsibility.
Long-term focus with a structured handover to ensure continuity.
Direct impact on product quality, sustainability, and process excellence.
For applications or further information, please contact me at or via email
Following major tender wins, Utexbel is accelerating its growth, with production set to increase by 50 percent.
ITZU Executive Search has been mandated to support Utexbel in recruiting a Director of Innovation & Processes who can combine strategic vision with operational excellence. This role is central to Utexbel's ambition to remain a global leader in technical textiles for protective clothing and workwear.
Roles and responsibilities
This is a broad, high-impact role. The Director will define, implement, and optimise Utexbel's innovation strategy and production processes across spinning, weaving, dyeing, and finishing.
They will lead R&D projects, collaborate with universities and research institutes, and ensure that quality, sustainability, and process excellence are embedded across the organisation.
The Director will also lead a team of around 10 specialists, including laboratory staff, and act as the technical reference for the entire company.
Key Responsibilities
Define and implement innovation and process strategies that support Utexbel's growth and sustainability objectives.
Lead R&D initiatives and ensure smooth transfer from laboratory innovations to industrial-scale production.
Maintain and enhance quality management systems, certifications, and audit readiness.
Collaborate with external partners, universities, and research institutes to drive technical innovation.
Serve as a central interface for IT and digitalisation projects, leveraging data to optimise processes.
Guide and mentor the team, fostering a culture of technical excellence and proactive problem-solving.
Ensure operational improvements and innovations are measurable, sustainable, and impactful.
Requirements
Advanced degree in Textile Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
Extensive experience in innovation, process management, R&D, or quality systems within manufacturing environments.
Demonstrated leadership with a track record of managing multidisciplinary teams.
Strong analytical and strategic thinking, combined with practical operational expertise.
Excellent communication skills, comfortable with audits, certifications, and reporting to senior management.
Bilingual in French and Dutch required; proficiency in English is a strong asset.
Perks and benefits
Utexbel relies on ITZU to identify a candidate who can bridge innovation and operational execution someone capable of shaping the company's technical direction while upholding the highest quality standards.
This role is pivotal in supporting Utexbel's growth and maintaining its reputation as a market leader in technical textiles across Europe.
Influence the future of innovation and processes in a stable, growing family business.
Key strategic position with significant autonomy and responsibility.
Long-term focus with a structured handover to ensure continuity.
Direct impact on product quality, sustainability, and process excellence.
For applications or further information, please contact me at or via email
Meer banen van je zoekopdracht
Quality Manager (M/F/D)
- Renaix
- 13 februari 2026
Head of Quality Management
- Renaix
- 13 februari 2026
Quality Senior Manager
- Renaix
- 13 februari 2026
Cross-functional Quality Manager
- Renaix
- 13 februari 2026
Director of Innovation
- Ronse
- 13 februari 2026
Cross-functional Quality Manager
- Ronse
- 13 februari 2026
Operations Director
- Tienen
- 12 februari 2026
HR-consultant
- Roeselare
- 12 februari 2026
Technisch accountmanager
- Turnhout
- 12 februari 2026
Operations Manager
- Olen
- 12 februari 2026
Cross-Functional Quality Manager
- Ronse
- 13 februari 2026
Director Of Innovation & Processes
- Ronse
- 13 februari 2026