Innovation Leader - Nonwovens

Overview

Magnera's purpose is to better the world with new possibilities made real. For more than 160 years, the originating companies have delivered the material solutions their partners need to thrive. Through economic upheaval, global pandemics and changing end-user needs, they have consistently found ways to solve problems and exceed expectations. By bringing together these legacy companies, the distinct scale and comprehensive portfolio of products will bring customers more materials and choices. With a combined legacy of resilience, Magnera will build personal partnerships that withstand an ever-changing world.

Magnera is seeking a strategic and results-driven Innovation Leader to lead its European platform across spunlace, airlaid, through‑air and spunmelt technologies. This role sits at the intersection of technology, commercial impact, and organizational leadership.

You will shape the innovation agenda, accelerate product development, and ensure scalable execution across multiple nonwoven platforms. In doing so, you will directly advance Magnera’s purpose—turning material science into differentiated solutions that create measurable value.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-technology innovation platform spanning spunlace, airlaid, through‑air and spunmelt, setting direction, priorities, and performance standards.
• Drive commercially relevant innovation, ensuring strong alignment between R&D, customers, and business strategy in line with Magnera’s promise.
• Translate technical capability into value, leading the development and industrialization of differentiated products and processes.
• Build and lead high-performing teams, fostering accountability, speed, and a culture of continuous improvement consistent with Magnera’s belief in people-led performance.
• Partner cross-functionally with commercial, operations, and marketing leaders to deliver successful market adoption.
• Execute with discipline, ensuring clarity of roadmaps, on-time delivery, and resource efficiency.
• Elevate external perspective, maintaining a strong understanding of market dynamics, customer needs, and competitive positioning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of nonwoven product or process development experience, with exposure to multiple nonwoven technologies.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in innovation, product development, or technology management.
• Proven ability to connect technical development with commercial outcomes.
• Strong executive presence, with the ability to influence across functions and levels.
• Structured, decisive, and able to operate effectively in a fast-paced, global environment.