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- Tasks: Lead global innovation in metal design and drive R&D projects from concept to rollout.
- Company: Join Ardagh Metal Packaging, a leader in sustainable metal solutions.
- Benefits: Global scope, real ownership, and decision-making authority in a growing business.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on the future of sustainable packaging.
- Qualifications: Advanced degree in Engineering and 10+ years in metal design innovation required.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth and international travel.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) is shaping a sustainable and responsible future by pioneering innovative technologies and design solutions in metal packaging. With a strong focus on sustainability, functionality, branding and shaping, AMP continuously pushes industry boundaries to meet evolving customer and market demands.
We are seeking a Global R&D Director – Metal Design Innovation to lead the next wave of metal packaging innovation. Reporting to the Global Director of R&D, this role aligns and drives regional R&D teams across North America, Europe and Brazil, delivering global strategies for metal design, lightweighting and downgauging of cans and ends. This is a high-impact leadership role with full ownership of global metal design innovation — from concept through industrial rollout — leveraging advanced simulation, FEA and AI-driven optimization.
Key responsibilities
- Lead global metal design innovation by guiding regional R&D Directors and cross-functional teams, integrating advanced simulation, FEA and AI-driven optimization into can and end design.
- Translate customer and market needs into scalable design solutions, developing robust business cases that ensure regulatory compliance while delivering cost, efficiency and performance benefits in close collaboration with Manufacturing, Engineering and Suppliers.
- Own and drive a global portfolio of complex R&D projects, managing all stage-gates from concept through industrialization, plant rollout and commercialization, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.
- Build and lead specialized expert teams, defining resource needs, capabilities and capital investment plans aligned with AMP’s global innovation and lightweighting roadmap.
- Establish technical governance and methodologies for quality support, qualifications, testing and analytical services, enabling regions to effectively resolve quality and productivity challenges.
- Lead cross-regional and cross-functional innovation programs in partnership with key suppliers, technology partners and universities to accelerate next-generation can and end technologies.
- Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships across metal design, DWI technologies and process innovation, acting as a key technical interface with internal and external stakeholders.
- Support global and regional marketing initiatives by enabling the development of new materials, designs and products that meet customer requirements and drive top-line growth.
- Define global quality standards and operational guidelines for new designs, lightweighting and downgauging technologies, ensuring consistency, safety and scalability across regions.
- Engage globally through regular international travel, including quarterly leadership meetings in North America, Germany and Brazil, and visits to manufacturing facilities worldwide to stay closely connected to regional complexities and opportunities.
Requirements
- Advanced degree (Master’s / PhD preferred) in Mechanical or Metallurgical Engineering
- 10+ years of experience in metal design & innovation
- Proven leadership in global or multi-regional R&D environments
- Strong expertise in FEA (Abaqus), CAD and advanced simulation
- Experience with business case development, ROI and project financial impact
- Familiarity with IP / patenting and comparative design reviews
- Fluent English and willingness to travel internationally
What we offer
- To be a part of exciting and growing business
- Global scope, real ownership and decision-making authority
About Ardagh Metal Packaging
Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) is a leading supplier of sustainable, infinitely recyclable metal beverage cans to brand owners globally. An operating business of sustainable packaging business Ardagh Group, AMP is a leading industry player across Europe and the Americas, with innovative production capabilities, 23 production facilities, more than 6,000 employees and recorded revenues of $4.8 billion in 2023.
About Ardagh Group
Ardagh Group is a global supplier of infinitely recyclable metal and glass packaging solutions, producing packaging for brand owners around the world. We have grown to a team of approximately 20,000 people with revenues of more than $9 billion. Today we have a presence across the Americas, Europe and Africa.
The future we’re creating for Ardagh is built around our four Core Values of Inclusion, Trust, Teamwork and Excellence. We offer exciting and rewarding opportunities for talented and creative people. If you have ambition and want to make an impact with your career, come and join our team - you’ll enjoy the journey!
R&D Metal Director Global R&D Metal Director Global Chicago, IL, US, 60631 +7 more… Jan 22, 2026 in Luton employer: Ardagh Group
Contact Detail:
Ardagh Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Metal Director Global R&D Metal Director Global Chicago, IL, US, 60631 +7 more… Jan 22, 2026 in Luton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. Building connections can open doors and give you insider info about job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Show them you’re genuinely interested in their work, especially in areas like metal design innovation and sustainability.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, particularly in leading R&D teams and driving innovation. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Metal Director Global R&D Metal Director Global Chicago, IL, US, 60631 +7 more… Jan 22, 2026 in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Global R&D Director role. Highlight your experience in metal design and innovation, and how it aligns with our focus on sustainability and advanced technologies.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your leadership experience shine through! Share examples of how you've led teams in global or multi-regional R&D environments, especially in driving innovation and managing complex projects.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills related to the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in shaping the future of metal packaging.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ardagh Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of metal design and innovation. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in sustainable packaging, advanced simulation techniques, and FEA tools like Abaqus. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a candidate, but a potential leader in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about leading teams and driving innovation. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led projects or teams, especially in a global context. Highlight how you managed cross-functional collaboration and resolved challenges, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Business Side
Since you'll be developing robust business cases, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of ROI and project financial impacts. Be ready to discuss how you've approached business case development in the past and how you can align R&D initiatives with business goals to drive top-line growth.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the company's innovation roadmap, their approach to sustainability, and how they envision the future of metal packaging. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values and career aspirations.
