Technical & Innovation Director

Barcelona, Spain·Engineering·Added 2 days ago

Catenon

202 open roles

What they ask for

  • Have the right to work in Spain

    Catenon doesn't mention sponsorship in the ad.

  • Speak native-level Spanish

    Listed as a requirement in the ad.

  • Work in English

    English is required, per the ad.

  • Work on-site in Barcelona

    No relocation package mentioned.

  • Have 15+ years of experience

    Director-level role.

Pulled from the advert automatically — the full ad is what counts.

This job was automatically translated to English, .

About the role

We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Technical & Innovation Director to lead the technical and innovation area of an organization.

In this critical position, reporting directly to the Senior VP & Research and Innovation Officer, you will assume overall responsibility for the R&D, Quality, and Regulatory Affairs areas. Your primary mission will be to orchestrate the global technical strategy, ensuring that scientific innovation translates into tangible competitive advantages and business success. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of 25 professionals, fostering a high-performance environment and operational excellence. If you have a solid track record in regulated environments and the ability to influence senior leadership through disruptive innovation, this is an exceptional opportunity to elevate your career within a prestigious and continuously growing company.

What you'll do

Responsibilities
• R&D Laboratory
• Regulatory Affairs
• Quality Assurance
• Technical Compliance
• Industrialization
• Technological Innovation

You will have managers reporting to you in each of these areas and will provide cross-functional leadership on strategic innovation projects.

Main Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership & Innovation
• Participate in the innovation pipeline from conceptualization through to industrialization.
• Execute the global technical innovation strategy aligned with the company's strategic plan, with a strong focus on markets/business needs.
• Explore emerging and high-potential technologies to generate new business opportunities.
• Knowledge and experience in managing "medical devices" and/or health products.
• Identify future market opportunities and lead plans to capitalize on them.
• Establish strategic collaborations with universities, startups, scientific centers, and partners.
• Promote agile methodologies and a cross-functional culture of innovation.

2. Technical & Scientific Management
• Lead the R&D, Regulatory, and Quality teams.
• Oversee all areas involved in product creation and validation.
• Ensure excellence in:
o Formulation
o Stability
o Compatibility
o Technical validation
o Cosmetic efficacy
o Scientific claims substantiation
• Ensure global regulatory compliance:
o Europe
o USA (Cosmetics/OTC)
o China
o Asia
o LATAM
o Africa
o Middle East
• Implement digitalized technical management systems and platforms for formula management and compliance.
• Represent the company before regulatory bodies and industry associations.

3. Quality, Compliance & Operational Excellence
• Lead global quality initiatives and regulatory compliance efforts.
• Oversee the implementation of quality programs and continuous improvement.
• Ensure products meet company standards and international market requirements.
• Optimize and harmonize quality processes globally.
• Lead technical efficiency and operational excellence projects.

4. Digital Transformation & Beauty Tech
• Drive the digitalization of laboratories and technical processes.
• Integrate AI and advanced analytics for:
o Predictive formulation
o Trend analysis
o Accelerated development
o Consumer insights
o Industrial optimization
• Evaluate new manufacturing technologies, testing methods, and traceability systems.
• Lead Smart Lab and Data-Driven Innovation initiatives.

About the company & team

Our client is a prestigious multinational leader in the luxury cosmetics and premium skincare sector, internationally recognized for its commitment to excellence and scientific innovation. With a solid track record in the premium market, the company has established itself as a global benchmark, integrating cutting-edge research with the most demanding quality standards. Its products are present in the most exclusive settings worldwide, from luxury spas to the most prestigious retail outlets. The organization stands out for a corporate culture oriented toward talent, continuous improvement, and the ability to transform science into unique wellness experiences, always maintaining a visionary outlook in the personal care industry.

Requirements

Education
• Degree in:
o Chemical Engineering
o Pharmacy
o Chemistry

• Highly valued:
o MBA from a top-tier business school
o Master's degree in Dermocosmetics or Innovation
o Training in digital transformation or applied AI

Advanced English (C1 level)

Experience
• 15+ years of professional experience in cosmetics, chemical, or pharmaceutical companies.
• Proven experience as a Technical Director in highly complex industrial environments.
• International and multidisciplinary experience.
• Strong background in:
o Product Development
o Regulatory Affairs
o Innovation
• Experience leading global technical teams and transformation projects.

Key Competencies
Leadership
• Inspirational and transformational leadership.
• Ability to influence and negotiate.
• Management of multidisciplinary teams in complex environments.
• Ability to foster cross-functional integration.
• Excellent communication skills at all levels.

Operational
• High execution capability.
• Pragmatic and action-oriented.
• Efficient management of projects and investments.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and methodological skills.