Program Manager Innovation & Development
Make a difference. Think circular. Drive innovation.
Ready to lead innovations that turn waste into value and keep it out of incinerators? Join us and drive real change.
Program Manager Innovation & Development
Full-time | Location: Flexible, with 2 days/week in Eindhoven
At Renewi, we don’t just manage waste — we transform it into new value. As a leading waste-to-product company, we are on a mission to make the circular economy a reality. To help shape that future, we are looking for a Program Manager Innovation & Development who thrives at the intersection of chemistry, technology, and sustainable impact.
Your Impact:
In this strategic role, you’ll manage high-impact innovation programs that bridge the gap between waste and new raw materials. You’ll work closely with internal departments and external partners to develop future-proof recycling solutions.
One example? Our partnership with Freepoint Eco-Systems in which we collaborate to build a new sorting line to process 80,000 tonnes of end-of-life plastics into feedstock for chemical recycling through pyrolysis. By doing so, we’re diverting plastics from incineration and creating real circular value.
Your Key Responsibilities:
- Program & Project Management: Oversee multi-disciplinary innovation programs from idea to implementation, managing timelines, budgets, and teams.
- Technology & Process Development: Evaluate and develop emerging technologies that contribute to waste valorisation, recycling efficiency, and emissions reduction.
- Strategic Collaboration: Initiate and manage partnerships with technology providers, research institutions, and industrial partners — including joint ventures.
- Innovation Strategy: Translate circular economy goals into concrete R&D initiatives, aligning with Renewi’s broader strategic roadmap.
- Internal Engagement: Work closely with operations, SHEQ, commercial, and finance teams to embed innovation into daily practice.
- Chemical Expertise: Provide scientific insights and guidance in the development and scaling of chemical or thermochemical processes related to waste treatment.
What You Bring:
- A university degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental sciences, or a related technical field.
- At least 5–8 years of experience in innovation, R&D, or technology implementation.
- Strong experience in managing large-scale projects or programs, preferably in an industrial, environmental, or circular context.
- Proven experience working in or managing strategic collaborations and/or joint ventures.
- A collaborative, curious mindset with the drive to turn ideas into scalable solutions.
- Excellent communication skills in English (Dutch is a plus).
Why Renewi?
This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to make a real impact in a future-focused industry.
- A competitive salary (max 110K with a company car, bonus, laptop and smartphone, a good pension plan and a minimum of 27,5 annual holiday days.
- Join a purpose-driven company shaping the future of sustainability.
- Work in a highly dynamic, innovative environment with freedom to explore and lead.
- Be part of strategic programs with real-world environmental impact.
- Collaborate with passionate professionals across disciplines and countries.
Ready to drive innovation and development?
Apply before May11th. Do you need any further information? Don't hesitate to get in touch with Christel Jongh, Senior Recruiter via: christel.jongh@renewi.com. We look forward to hearing from you. Is this job not the one for you but you know someone who would fit perfectly in this profile? Please feel free to send them this vacancy.
Our procedure:
- CV selection and first screening: After May 11th
- First interviews, via Teams or on site in Eindhoven: May 16th or 19th
- Second interviews via Teams or on site in Eindhoven: week of May 26th
