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- Tasks: Lead innovation in R&D, driving faster product development and embedding data-driven decision-making.
- Company: Join a leading industrial machinery manufacturer in Europe with a focus on excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for professional growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our company culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming processes and delivering measurable business value.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in R&D or Product Development with Lean Six Sigma expertise.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
Pacific International has been retained by a leading industrial machinery manufacturer in Europe. This business is looking to bring aboard an experienced Director of Business Process Excellence Innovation to work in the organisations centre of excellence. Based in Europe, the successful candidate will bring a strong track record in transforming R&D and innovation processes, driving faster and more predictable product development outcomes, and embedding Lean, data‑driven ways of working. Operating at both strategic and hands‑on levels, this individual will play a key role in accelerating time‑to‑market, improving product quality, and delivering measurable commercial value across global product portfolios.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive faster, more predictable innovation outcomes across R&D
- Embed data‑driven decision‑making within product development
- Deliver measurable business value (cost, speed, quality, revenue)
- Develop a multi‑generation product roadmap spanning 10–15 years
- Lead transformation of the end‑to‑end NPD lifecycle
- Align NPD processes with business strategy, customer needs, and market dynamics
- Lead Lean Six Sigma deployment within R&D and Innovation functions
- Identify and eliminate inefficiencies across development, design, testing, and validation
- Optimise time‑to‑market, development cost, and product success rates
Candidate Profile
- Minimum 10+ years’ experience in R&D, Innovation, or Product Development
- Proven track record in R&D process improvement and transformation
- Extensive experience leading Lean Six Sigma initiatives (Black Belt / Master Black Belt)
- Strong expertise in: New Product Development (NPD), Design for Six Sigma (DfSS) and Stage‑Gate and/or Agile frameworks
- Experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment (preferred)
- Structured, innovation‑driven mindset with strong problem‑solving skills
- Ability to translate customer needs into engineering requirements
- Strong analytical, systems thinking, and stakeholder influencing skills
- Comfortable operating both strategically and hands‑on
- Proven ability to coach and develop technical teams
- High resilience and capability to drive change in complex organisations
Qualifications & Skills
- Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
- Design for Six Sigma (DfSS)
- Experience with Innovation and Stage‑Gate frameworks
- English (full professional proficiency)
For further information on this position and a confidential discussion about your career please contact Ebba Gotthard, Client Deliver Manager - though we ask you to apply directly through this LinkedIn post to make sure your application is reviewed.
Director Business Excellence Innovation in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Pacific International Executive Search
Contact Detail:
Pacific International Executive Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Business Excellence Innovation in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that fits your skills perfectly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its culture, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Practise answering common interview questions, but also be ready to discuss your unique approach to driving innovation and process excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight specific examples of how you've transformed R&D processes or led Lean Six Sigma initiatives. Numbers speak volumes, so don’t shy away from sharing measurable outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who can bring their expertise in innovation and product development to the table.
We think you need these skills to ace Director Business Excellence Innovation in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in R&D and innovation processes. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Director of Business Excellence Innovation, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Lean Six Sigma Expertise: Since this role requires a strong background in Lean Six Sigma, be sure to emphasise your certifications and any successful projects you've led. We love seeing concrete examples of how you've driven process improvements and delivered measurable business value.
Be Strategic and Hands-On: This position is all about balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution. In your application, share instances where you've successfully operated at both levels. We’re looking for someone who can lead transformation while also getting into the nitty-gritty when needed.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. It’s the best way for us to review your credentials and get you one step closer to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pacific International Executive Search
✨Know Your Lean Six Sigma Inside Out
As a candidate for the Director of Business Excellence Innovation, you need to showcase your expertise in Lean Six Sigma. Brush up on your Black Belt or Master Black Belt knowledge and be ready to discuss specific projects where you've led initiatives that improved processes and outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
This role requires a blend of strategic and hands-on skills. Prepare examples of how you've aligned product development processes with business strategy and customer needs. Be ready to explain how your decisions have driven measurable business value in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
With a structured, innovation-driven mindset being crucial, think of instances where you've identified inefficiencies and implemented solutions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate your problem-solving approach during the interview.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Given the importance of influencing stakeholders, prepare to discuss how you've successfully engaged with various teams. Think about times when you've coached technical teams or navigated complex organisational changes, and be ready to share those experiences.