Technical Center Manager M/F/X

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Job Description:
Are you ready to bridge your engineering science expertise with transformative people leadership? The Technical Center Manager at Royal Canin is a defining leadership role within our Global R&D Campus. We are looking for an entrepreneurial leader to serve as the strategic architect of our next-generation technology and engineering setup. This isn't just about managing a facility; it's about people leadership in a high-stakes innovation environment. You will partner across the organization-from Research and Innovation to Procurement-to co-deliver the full development funnel, from early-stage prototyping to pre-industrial and industrial trials up to launch-and-learn for selected markets and geographies. As we modernize and digitize our infrastructure, you will lead and empower a high-performing team to bridge the gap between scientific and innovation ambition and technical execution, ensuring we remain the best-in-class in nutrition to make a better world for pets.

What are we looking for?

* Inspirational People Leadership: Proven experience as a "manager of managers," with a passion for coaching and developing a diverse team of technical experts to deliver on performance objectives.
* Engineering & Technology Foundation: A Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technology, or a related scientific field, coupled with the ability to translate complex research needs into next-gen technical solutions.
* Strategic Partnership & Entrepreneurial Spirit: A track record of partnering with Innovation, Research, and Procurement teams to co-create long-term technology strategies and support industrialization and Factory Start-ups.
* Operational & Technical Custodianship: Significant experience in industrial or R&D operations, including the maintenance and improvement of equipment and local IT infrastructure, while serving as the guardian of Safety, Quality, and Food Safety (FSSC22000/ISO).
* Project Management & CapEx: Experience leading the preparation of CapEx project submissions and executing large-scale master planning for site evolution.
* Digital Fluency: Interest and experience in leveraging Digital and genAI tools in a manufacturing or R&D environment to link process variables with nutritional performance.

What will be your key responsibilities?

* You will lead a world-class Pilot Plant and Multidisciplinary Team responsible for managing and maintaining a diverse, next-generation technology stack. Your remit covers the entire technical ecosystem, including heavy-duty yet flexible extrusion, agile packing lines, and cutting-edge test-to-modeling technologies. You will also oversee the creative and rapid prototyping infrastructure, encompassing ideation workshops, innovation kitchens, 3D printing and CNC-laser-plotters. Beyond the tech, you are the custodian of the full supportive infrastructure, including specialized mechanical and electrical maintenance workshop and the raw material warehouse.
* Strategic Technology Partnership: Act as a core partner with broader R&D to enable the full development funnel (Innovation, Science & Technology, New Packaging and Raw Materials). You will co-create the future technology setup for the pilot plant in collaboration with R&D, Marketing, and Value Chain Operations teams to support global growth, speed-to-market, productivity, and sustainability ambitions.

* High-Impact People Leadership: Directly lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of technical and operations associates and managers, fostering a culture of engagement and continuous improvement in operational safety, quality, efficiency, and capacity.
* Master Planning & Infrastructure Evolution: Lead the strategic development of the center, overseeing capital projects and master planning to modernize site infrastructure and technical center capabilities.

* Operational Excellence & Knowledge Transfer: Oversee the daily operational routine-including maintenance, resource planning, and execution-while ensuring the seamless transfer of new technologies to support industrialization and factory efficiency.
* Guardian of Safety & Quality: Maintain the highest standards of safety, food safety, and environmental compliance, ensuring the site remains a gold standard for R&D operations.

What can you expect from Mars?

* Global Impact: Work at the heart of Royal Canin's international HQ, a unique campus housing 800+ associates, advanced laboratories, pet center, and our flagship factory.
* Career Growth: Access world-class development through Mars University and opportunities for cross-functional moves within the global Mars Petcare ecosystem.
* Purpose-Driven Work: Every day, you will contribute to our mission: A Better World for Pets.
* Competitive Package: Industry-leading salary, benefits, and company bonus.

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