Director of Innovation & Processes

A Belgian family-owned textile manufacturer with nearly 100 years of expertise is recognised as a pioneer in high-quality technical textiles. The company develops innovative solutions for protective clothing, workwear, and specialised industrial applications.
Its fully integrated production process — from fibre to finished fabric — ensures strong quality control, traceability, and compliance.
Following major tender wins, the company is accelerating its growth, with production expected to increase by 50 percent.

ITZU Executive Search has been mandated to recruit a Director of Innovation & Processes who combines strategic vision with operational excellence. This role is central to the organisation’s ambition to remain a global leader in technical textiles.

This is a broad and high-impact position. The Director will define, implement, and optimise the innovation strategy and production processes across spinning, weaving, dyeing, and finishing activities.
The role includes leading R&D projects, collaborating with universities and research institutes, and embedding quality, sustainability, and process excellence throughout the organisation.
The Director will manage a team of approximately 10 specialists, including laboratory staff, and will act as the technical reference across the company.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement innovation and process strategies aligned with growth and sustainability objectives.
• Lead R&D initiatives and ensure smooth transfer from laboratory development to industrial-scale production.
• Maintain and strengthen quality management systems, certifications, and audit readiness.
• Collaborate with external partners, universities, and research institutes to drive technical innovation.
• Act as a key interface for IT and digitalisation projects, leveraging data to optimise processes.
• Lead, mentor, and structure the team, fostering a culture of technical excellence and proactive problem-solving.
• Ensure operational improvements and innovations are measurable, sustainable, and impactful.

• Advanced degree in Textile Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Extensive experience in innovation, process management, R&D, or quality systems within manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated leadership with a track record of managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking, combined with practical operational expertise.
• Excellent communication skills, comfortable with audits, certifications, and reporting to senior management.
• Bilingual in French and Dutch required; proficiency in English is a strong asset.

For applications or further information, please contact me at 32 475 61 69 12 or via email at Afficher le formulaire de demande d'emploicharline.pedoux@itzu.eu.