Group Technology Director

James Cropper PLC is a world-renowned specialist manufacturer of distinctive and technically advanced materials and products. Based in north-west England with locations around the world we use materials from cotton and wood to carbon fibre to develop innovative and ground breaking solutions for diverse customer base.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a rapidly-growing listed company with more than 175 years of heritage that thrives on innovation. An international business of over £100 million across its three divisions of Paper, Technical Fibre Products and Colourform, it serves markets in over 50 countries.

We are currently looking for a Group Technology Director to accelerate the pace of the group’s diversification and innovation to the next level. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, your responsibilities will include leading a technology and innovation team, identifying and pursuing opportunities that will make a step change in product enhancements, manufacturing processes and business growth. You will focus on forging new and independent product platforms and revenue streams, develop additional new business opportunities and champion our bold and ambitious zero carbon plans.

The role will require you to be a pioneer, pushing the boundaries of innovation and being a disrupter to the status quo. You will be forward thinking and understand the global challenges faced in a rapidly changing world; leading the development of innovative solutions that have a positive impact for future generations. You will be highly aspirational, a strong networker, creative and inventive; motivated by achieving demanding goals for creating and developing exciting new technologies, products and materials to secure long term growth and profitability across the globe.

A background in Research & Development or Innovation is vital, with a strong passion and understanding in new technologies, advanced manufacturing, green energy and material science. Highly effective people skills with a proven track record as a design thinker that has experience at all stages of product development process.

Reward and satisfaction will come from being a central player in a team that is already developing business opportunities and shaping the business of the future.

Why James Cropper PLC?

James Cropper is a specialist paper and advanced materials manufacturer in north-west England with a strong ambition to grow in its chosen markets. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a rapidly-growing listed company with more than 175 years of heritage that thrives on innovation.

A business of around £100m, it has important market shares in the USA, China, the Far East, Europe and the UK. We are renowned globally for colour expertise, dedicated responses to challenging custom projects and award-winning commitment to the highest standards of sustainability.