Product Development & Innovation Manager (Newco)
Rotterdam, NL, 3013 AA
LyondellBasell is a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. With a nearly 70-year legacy that includes a Nobel Prize in Chemistry and our proprietary MoReTec recycling technology, LYB is enabling a more sustainable future for generations to come. LYB develops high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. LYB places high priority on diversity, equity and inclusion and is Advancing Good with an emphasis on our planet, the communities where we operate and our future workforce. We're addressing the global challenges of ending plastic waste, taking climate action, and supporting a thriving society, while generating value for our customers, investors, and society.
Announcement
In June 2025, LYB announced entering into an agreement and exclusive negotiations for the sale of four olefins & polyolefins sites and the associated business in Europe. The sites to be sold are located in Berre (France), Münchsmünster (Germany), Carrington (UK), and Tarragona (Spain). The sites together represent a scaled olefins and polyolefins platform strategically located in proximity to a longstanding customer base and with access and connectivity to key infrastructure.
Closing of the proposed transaction is currently expected in the first half of 2026. From the start, the new company will be a scaled leader in European Olefins & Polyolefins. Powered by strategically located assets, a diverse product portfolio, and operational excellence, it aims to transform the business, fostering an agile, entrepreneurial culture where fast decision-making and hands-on collaboration drive transformation and growth.
Are you ready?
You will be crucial to a successful transition and, when the sale is closed, success of the new company. You will become part of a new dynamic organization with around 1,800 employees, headquarters in Rotterdam and production sites in France, Germany, UK and Spain with a strong focus on customer excellence.
This is the role
As Product Development & Innovation Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of polyolefin solutions for NewCo. This position drives polymer product development and industrialization in close collaboration with Business, Manufacturing, and ADTS teams, ensuring technical excellence and market readiness. You will primarily focus on advancing product development and industrialization, while also providing oversight on product regulatory compliance from a development perspective as needed. In addition, you will manage product testing with internal and external partners and lead enhancements in analytical capabilities. You will support the resolution of product quality issues and eventually provide leadership to one direct report, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead polymer product development and industrialization in partnership with Business teams, Manufacturing, and Application Development & Technical Service (ADTS).
- Coordinate polymer product testing with external laboratories to validate performance and quality.
- Act as the contact to support HSE and Business for product regulatory matters, ensuring adherence to global standards and industry regulations.
- Support the business in resolving product quality issues, providing technical expertise and actionable solutions.
- Develop and enhance analytical capabilities for NewCo, including implementation of advanced testing methodologies.
This is who you are
To be successful in this role you must recognize yourself in the following profile:
You drive product development with a clear focus on innovation, delivering technically robust, market‑ready polymer solutions. You excel at solving complex problems, using your analytical skills to identify root causes and ensure consistent product quality. You manage multiple projects effectively, balancing timelines and resources while keeping stakeholders aligned through clear communication and strong collaboration. Your technical expertise in polymer testing, characterization, and advanced analytical methods enables you to make well‑founded decisions.
You think strategically, turning business objectives into actionable development plans. You bring an innovation mindset, a data‑driven approach to decision‑making, and the leadership ability to guide and inspire others. You adapt easily to changing market and regulatory demands while maintaining focus on delivering high‑quality products.
Candidates will be assessed on the following LYB competencies:
- Build Partnerships
- Deliver Results
- Drive Innovation
- Grow Capabilities
- Promote Inclusion
This is what you bring
- Master’s or Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
- Minimum 8–10 years in polymer product development and industrialization, preferably in the polyolefin industry.
- Proven track record in leading cross-functional product development projects from concept to commercialization.
- Experience in regulatory compliance and resolving complex product quality challenges in collaboration with business and manufacturing teams.
This is what we offer
We offer an environment where we encourage personal and professional growth and where you will be rewarded for your performance and results. You will have the possibility to work with specialist on all fields to develop innovative solutions and to extend your national and international network. In addition, we offer you a competitive salary package. The Company's Global Remote Work Policy allows eligible employees the option to work up to two days a week from home. LyondellBasell is committed to advancing diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) to ensure a positive experience for all employees.
Interested?
Please feel free to contact Manoe Koningstein (Talent Acquisition Consultant) via manoe.koningstein@ lyondellbasell.com for more details. Would you like to apply? Just send us your motivation and resume via the application button. Only applications through this application button will be taken into consideration.
The recruitment process consists of an initial phone screening and two business interviews before proceeding to a possible job offer. A background check will be part of the process as well.
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