Innovation Expert
Pubblicato il 09-08-2026 - adapa Group in Firenze
Are you passionate about flexible packaging, extrusion technologies and sustainable product development?
For our adapa ITG production facility in Gambassi Terme, we are looking for an Innovation Expert, Extrusion Films to manage and coordinate local innovation activities related to blown film coextrusion, up to 9 layers, and MDO technology.
The extruded semi-finished products developed at the site are primarily supplied to adapa’s internal converting facilities, as well as to external customers in the converting industry.
Your role
As Innovation Expert, you will connect technology, customer needs and sustainability, ensuring that local innovation activities are aligned with the strategic goals of the adapa Group.
You will drive product innovation projects, support the development of customer-specific solutions and act as a trusted technical partner for strategic key accounts. You will also collaborate closely with local and international teams across Innovation, Operations, Quality, Sales, Procurement, Sustainability, Engineering and Marketing.
Your main responsibilities
Drive, coordinate and document local product innovation projects
Assess customer-driven projects from both a technical and commercial perspective during the approval phase
Manage the technical input of product recipes into the ERP system
Apply Design for Recycling principles and support compliance with PPWR requirements
Translate specific customer needs into innovative and market-oriented product solutions
Prepare and manage technical documentation, including product data sheets, Life Cycle Assessments and Product Carbon Footprints
Ensure that newly developed products comply with relevant legislation and recyclability standards
Develop alternative solutions for existing products to support future regulatory and sustainability compliance
Use reporting tools to monitor project workloads, time and resources, and define suitable innovation KPIs
Collaborate with adapa’s Innovation Converting Team on joint projects and extrusion-related requirements across key market segments
Work closely with the local Engineering team to assess the suitability of technologies and equipment for newly developed products
Provide hands-on support on extrusion lines, including process optimisation, troubleshooting and the implementation of new products and raw materials
Key collaborations
In this role, you will work closely with:
Operations: daily technical support on extrusion lines
Quality: innovation support in claim management and audits
Sales: project prioritisation, customer meetings and industrial trials
Procurement: raw material qualification in line with the purchasing strategy
Sustainability: Design for Recycling, PPWR, Product Carbon Footprint and Life Cycle Assessment
Marketing: technical and editorial input for magazines, exhibitions, brochures and other communication activities
What you bring
A degree in Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Chemistry or a comparable technical field
At least 2 years of professional experience in product development, coextrusion, MDO technology or a related field
Strong knowledge of packaging films, polymers used in the packaging industry and extrusion processes
A practical, hands-on approach to implementing new products and raw materials on production lines
Experience in process optimisation and technical troubleshooting
Strong customer orientation and confidence in working with key accounts
Good command of English, with the ability to deliver effective presentations and technical training
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
A collaborative mindset combined with self-confidence and accountability
Strong organisational skills and the ability to work autonomously
Willingness to travel, approximately 10% of the time
Why join us?
You will have the opportunity to contribute directly to the development of innovative flexible packaging solutions, working in an international environment and collaborating with experts across the adapa Group.
Annual gross salary 30.000 - 35.0000 eur