IT - Product Lead - Research & Innovation

Syensqo is all about chemistry. We’re not just referring to chemical reactions here, but also to the magic that occurs when the brightest minds get to work together. This is where our true strength lies. In you. In your future colleagues and in all your differences. And of course, in your ideas to improve lives while preserving our planet’s beauty for the generations to come.

Job overview and responsibilities

Join us at Syensqo, where our IT team is gearing up to enhance its capabilities. We play a crucial role in the group's transformation—accelerating growth, reshaping progress, and creating sustainable shared value. The IT team is making operational adjustments to supercharge value across the entire organization.

Here at Syensqo, we're one strong team! Our commitment to accountability drives us as we work hard to deliver value for our customers and stakeholders. In our dynamic and collaborative work environment, we add a touch of enjoyment while staying true to our motto: reinvent progress. Come be part of our transformation journey and contribute to the change as a future team member. 

As an IT Product Lead for Research & Innovation at Syensqo, you will drive the development and implementation of cutting-edge digital solutions that empower our research and innovation teams. Your role will involve collaborating with scientists, researchers, and IT professionals to create technology-driven tools that enhance our R&D capabilities and support our mission of scientific exploration. By fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability, you will contribute to the creation of advanced materials and specialty chemicals that address global challenges and advance humanity. Your leadership will be instrumental in ensuring that our research initiatives are supported by robust, efficient, and user-centric digital solutions. The Product Lead - Research & Innovation reports to the Head of Digital Growth & Innovation and leads an experienced team. His role sits in one of the core Research & Innovation Centers of Syensqo.

Strategic Planning and Vision:

• Develop and communicate a clear vision for IT products that align with Syensqo's Research & Innovation strategic objectives.
• Identify opportunities for technological advancements - namely AI, Quantum -  that can enhance the company's product offerings and operational efficiency.

• Build close relationships with the Growth Enablement, Marketing & Sales, Sustainability, Industrial teams and Syensqo.ai to accelerate the time and go-to-market of Syensqo’s innovations

Product Development:

• Oversee the entire product lifecycle from ideation to deployment, ensuring that products or SaaS solutions meet quality standards and user needs.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including developers, data teams and software engineers, to bring digital products/Saas solutions to the company.
• Establish metrics to evaluate the success of IT products and initiatives, continuously seek feedback from users and stakeholders to improve product offerings and address any challenges.

Sustainability, Ethics and Risk Management:

• Ensure that all IT products in scope of the role align with Syensqo's commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.

• Identify potential risks associated with new technologies and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and company policies in all innovation activities.

Team Management and Leadership:

Team Building and Development:

• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of IT professionals, fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
• Encourage continuous learning and professional growth by providing opportunities for training and development.

Leadership and Motivation:

• Inspire and motivate the team to achieve innovation goals by setting clear expectations and providing regular feedback.
• Lead by example, embodying Syensqo's core values and promoting a culture of integrity, respect, and excellence.

Stakeholder Management:

• Collaborate with Research & Innovation, customer facing teams to build relevant business cases.
• Engage with internal stakeholders, including business units and leadership, to gather insights and seek alignment.
• Foster partnerships with external technology providers and research institutions to leverage external expertise and resources.

Resource Allocation:

• Efficiently allocate resources, including teams and budget, to ensure that projects are delivered in time, in budget, in value. 

Conflict Resolution:

• Address and resolve any conflicts or challenges within the team, promoting open communication and a "Speak Up" culture where team members feel safe to express concerns.
• Facilitate collaboration and unity within the IT team, valuing diverse perspectives and encouraging constructive dialogue.

Performance Management:

• Set performance objectives and conduct regular evaluations to assess team and individual contributions to innovation projects.
• Recognize and reward outstanding performance, fostering a passion for performance and a commitment to excellence.

Education and experience

Educational Background:

• A degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field. Equivalent practical experience in digital innovation or technology leadership is also valued.
• Continuous learning and professional development in areas such as digital transformation, innovation management, or leadership are encouraged and recognized.

Experience:

• Proven experience in leading digital innovation initiatives, with a strong understanding of digital technologies and their application in various business contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including technical teams, business units, and external partners, to drive successful outcomes.
• Experience in product development and lifecycle management, with a track record of bringing innovative solutions to market.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and execute multiple initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas and foster collaboration across diverse teams.

Skills and behavioral competencies

• Result orientation, influence & impact
• Empowerment & accountability
• Team spirit, building relationships, collective accountability        
• Strong leadership capability, executing as appropriate in the areas of responsibility
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technology solutions in business terms, establish rapport and persuade others

What’s in it for the candidate

• Be part of and contribute to a once-in-a-lifetime change journey 
• Join a dynamic team that is going to tackle big bets
• Have fun and work at a high pace

About us

• Syensqo is a science company developing groundbreaking solutions that enhance the way we live, work, travel and play. Inspired by the scientific councils which Ernest Solvay initiated in 1911, we bring great minds together to push the limits of science and innovation for the benefit of our customers, with a diverse, global team of more than 13,000 associates. Our solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices and health care applications. Our innovation power enables us to deliver on the ambition of a circular economy and explore breakthrough technologies that advance humanity.
• At Syensqo, we seek to promote unity and not uniformity. We value the diversity that individuals bring and we invite you to consider a future with us, regardless of background, age, gender, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability or identity. We encourage individuals who may require any assistance or accommodations to let us know to ensure a seamless application experience. We are here to support you throughout the application journey and want to ensure all candidates are treated equally. If you are unsure whether you meet all the criteria or qualifications listed in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.