Freelance Product Research Manager (NL) (ZZP)

Hybrid working, minimum 2 to 3 days in the office in Drachten.

Senior Function Development Leader

In this role, you have the opportunity to ensure the success of multi-disciplinary teams to deliver innovative technical solutions for coffee machines.

Job description

• Translating consumer and business needs into technical solutions and innovative products. As a Function Development Leader you are:

• Taking the technical lead in the development of new functions in multi-disciplinary project teams of marketing, design and innovation professionals and liaising closely with Versuni partners and supply base

• Translating consumer needs into business propositions in conjunction with the marketing, consumer research and supply organization

• Translating commercial, functional and aesthetic product requirements into technical concepts and solutions

• Responsible for delivering new functions against required performance, cost price, quality and safety targets

• Responsible for demonstrating the manufacturability of the innovation

• Supporting the business in the definition of the innovation strategy

• Driving continuous improvement of our ways of working

• Supporting individual team members in their professional development

You are a part of

In this challenging and exciting position, you will be working in our Coffee appliances team consisting of functional departments responsible for marketing, design, product research, function development, architecture, mechanical and electronic development.

To succeed in this role, you should have the following skills and experience

• Engineering background: Masters degree in technical domain study, for example Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Mechatronics or similar major;

• Proven track record in development of new functionality for consumer products for at least 5 years or two complete product development cycles (pre-development and realization);

• Creative mindset to identify, develop and assess new ideas, opportunities and technologies.

• Knowledge of Design Thinking Process ( Brainstorming, Mindmapping, Sketchstorming ) with the ability to facilitate brainstorming and ideation activities and distilling outcomes to identify credible ideas that could results in future products and solutions .

• Researching and tracking latest scientific and engineering advancements in technology areas identified as strategical relevant for Coffee appliances.

• Utilizing current skills , technical Knowledge , and experience and what has learnt about new technology to identify and develop opportunities for innovation.

• A solid understanding of technical novelty and how it should be intellectually protected, proven previous IP is a plus

• Strong analytical & conceptual thinking, along with a systematic approach towards problem solving;

• Drive for quality yet with pragmatic and can do mindset, able to operate in a dynamic environment;

• Effective influencing abilities;

• A great deal of self-discipline and perseverance to deliver either solo or in teams;

• Good communication skills in English both verbally and written

• Experience with Design for Six Sigma and Black belt certification is a plus.

In return, we offer you

An inspiring experience with our fearless and high-performing team. You'll be joining a family that celebrates successes together. Our goal is for you to get better every day and we do that by helping you become the best version of yourself. Its your unique journey. You set your own course - well help you get there.

Why should you join Versuni?

Versuni purpose is simple yet powerful: helping people to turn their houses into homes. Through meaningful innovation, we improve the lives of people, helping them to lead healthier and happier lives every day.

We have incredible products, solutions and strong market foundations. As a leading player in domestic appliances, we offer sustainable products across kitchen appliances, coffee, air, garment and home care. The successful product ranges include the renowned Airfryer, Espresso Machine with LatteGo, the Perfect Care Elite steam generator, Air Purifier and SpeedPro Max vacuum cleaner. We are also known as Walita, Preethi, Saeco and Gaggia.

In Versuni we work with contagious positivism. We believe that inclusion comes before diversity and all voices are heard. When you join our closely-connected and diverse team, you'll be joining a global family. Like all families, we grow together and support each other. In our drive for digital transformation success, we partner to grow and deliver. We celebrate our wins together.

Our company is headquartered in The Netherlands, and has innovation, manufacturing, and commercial centers across the globe, with presence in over 100 countries. We employ approximately 7,000 talented individuals who bring innovation to customers and consumers.

Our goal is for you to grow every day, and to support you to become the very best version of yourself. We are committed to providing the highest levels of consumer satisfaction, underpinned by our quality approach. We make conscious choices caring for peoples homes and our planet. We grow responsibly and sustainably.

Sustainability is an important factor for Versuni. We have been 100% carbon neutral in our operations since 2020, but this is just the start of our plan.

We know everything we use today will affect the planet tomorrow. For the past century, we've innovated to make products faster, better, and more energy efficient. Today, we're applying that same spirit to circular design trying to use less and re-use m null