DYKA Netherlands is a leading manufacturing and sales organization specializing in plastic piping systems (PVC, PE, and PP). The production facilities, central distribution center, sales departments, and other support services are located at the headquarters in Steenwijk. In addition, 21 regional sales branches provide customer-oriented sales and supply services to wholesalers, contractors, installers, government agencies, utility companies, and the industry. DYKA Netherlands is part of the DYKA Group, which in turn is a division of Tessenderlo Group. DYKA Group has an international presence in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and Romania.
But DYKA is more than just a manufacturer and distributor of plastic piping systems. By transporting water, air, and other energy sources in a reliable, efficient, and sustainable way, we contribute every day to a better planet. Moreover, we do this using recycled or recyclable materials. That’s why we proudly say we are “Nature’s Network.”
DYKA’s culture is defined by “Every Day, We-GO.” This culture is built on three core values, represented by the W, G, and O in We-GO:
- We Win Together
- We Go Beyond
- We Own It
Job Description
What will you do?
As Innovation Director, you play a key role in the strategic development of our organization. You leverage innovation as a driver for sustainable growth, competitive strength, and value creation. You are responsible for translating external market trends and technological developments into feasible innovations in products, processes, and business models within the plastic processing manufacturing industry (PVC, PE & PP).
With a sharp eye for opportunities and risks, you build a future-oriented innovation agenda that is firmly anchored in our business strategy. You inspire and lead international teams, create external partnerships, and foster a culture where innovation is not only conceived but also realized.
Your impact:
- Analyze market trends, customer needs, and technological developments to identify new opportunities, with specific focus on material innovation, product design, and process optimization within plastic processing and industrial applications.
- Develop a clear, future-oriented innovation strategy that contributes to business objectives in growth, automation, and sustainability. You secure this strategy through a concrete multi-year plan, including priorities, KPIs, and business cases.
- Lead the departments of Product Management, Product Development, and CEST & Sustainability. You stimulate ownership, entrepreneurship, and multidisciplinary collaboration – across countries and departments. You create alignment and acceleration.
- Foster an organization-wide mindset where creativity, experimentation, and continuous improvement are central. You initiate innovation programs, facilitate inspiration sessions, and ensure that ideas are actually implemented.
- Build strategic partnerships, bring in ‘outside-in’ perspectives through customers, networks, trade fairs, events, publications, and collaborations. Be an inspiring representative of the organization in the innovation landscape and actively introduce new technologies and methodologies.
- Lead (international) innovation projects from idea to implementation. You ensure clear governance, measurable impact, and integration into operations. You steer towards business value: improvement of product quality, operational efficiency, and sustainable impact.
Qualifications
Who are you?
"In a rapidly changing market, continuous innovation is essential. As Innovation Director, you safeguard our technological edge and drive sustainable growth through product innovation, process optimization, and strategic collaboration."
Education & Work Experience:
- Academic level of working and thinking, preferably supported by a completed degree in innovation, engineering, (industrial) design, business administration, or a related field.
- At least 7–10 years of experience leading strategic innovation programs.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in the plastic processing industry or a comparable industrial environment.
- Proven track record in delivering impactful innovations at product, process, and organizational level, including successful implementation of new technologies.
- Demonstrated experience in managing multidisciplinary and international teams within complex stakeholder environments.
Skills & Competencies:
- Vision & Strategy: You translate market developments and technological trends into a future-proof innovation agenda.
- Leadership: You inspire, connect, and guide teams with clear direction and confidence. You foster ownership and encourage cross-departmental collaboration.
- Result-oriented & Entrepreneurial: You know how to bring innovation from idea to execution and focus on measurable business impact.
- Strong Stakeholder Management Skills: You navigate effectively between executive leadership, operations, partners, and external networks.
- Analytical & Decisive: You conduct sharp analyses, make well-considered decisions, and dare to think outside the box.
- Culture Carrier: You are a credible ambassador of innovation and know how to inspire, challenge, and engage others in change.
- Hands-on When Needed: You combine strategic thinking with the ability to translate ideas into practical execution.
Additional Information
What do we offer?
At Dyka, we offer you not only a strategic key role within an ambitious organization, but also an attractive and well-balanced employment package that matches your level of responsibility.
- A competitive salary, based on your education and experience.
- A hybrid working model: 3 days per week at our location in Steenwijk (NL), with the remaining days flexible.
- A variable bonus opportunity of 20% (with a maximum of 40%).
- Choice between a lease car (for both business and private use) or a mobility allowance, including a laptop and phone.
- Secondary benefits such as a collective pension scheme and the option to participate in our group health insurance.
- Opportunities for training and career development.
- A pleasant working environment with great colleagues!
Interested?
If you have any questions about the application process, feel free to contact Vinsent Morsink (Corporate Recruiter) at +31 6 47994239 or vinsent.morsink@dyka.nl.
We have already selected our recruitment channels; therefore, we are not accepting candidates from agencies.