R&D Manager

Deltalight is a Belgian family-owned company and international market leader in architectural lighting. From our headquarters in Wevelgem, we design, develop and manufacture innovative lighting solutions that inspire architects and designers worldwide.

To further strengthen our innovation capabilities and product development processes, we are looking for an experienced R&D Manager.

Your role

As R&D Manager, you co-define and drive Deltalight’s R&D strategy and translate it into a clear operational roadmap. You lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers, product developers, prototyping, quality and certification experts, ensuring the successful development of innovative products from concept to market launch.

As a member of the Management Team, you bring a strong technology and innovation perspective to the company's strategic decisions and contribute to Deltalight’s long-term growth and competitiveness.

Strategic & Organizational Leadership

• Co-define and implement the R&D strategy aligned with overall business objectives.
• Translate strategy into a clear operational plan and product development roadmap.
• Set priorities and allocate resources across all R&D projects.
• Manage the R&D budget, ensuring cost awareness and smart investments.
• Monitor market trends, technologies and innovations, and translate them into concrete actions.

Product Development & Innovation

• Own the end-to-end product development process, from concept to production, ensuring close collaboration with Product Management, Quality and Operations.
• Improve and standardize R&D processes, tools and best practices.
• Ensure projects meet quality, timing and cost targets.
• Guide key technical decisions and support complex problem-solving.
• Embed innovation structurally within the organization, from idea to implementation.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach and develop a multidisciplinary R&D team.
• Define team structure, capabilities and development needs.
• Provide clarity, direction and accountability across the department.
• Act as a strong communicator and motivator, creating alignment, energy and engagement.

Management Team Role

• Actively contribute as a member of the Management Team.
• Bring a technology and innovation perspective into strategic decision-making.
• Contribute to Deltalight’s long-term growth, positioning and competitiveness.
• Share responsibility for the overall company performance beyond the R&D function.

Profil

• Master's degree in Engineering or equivalent through experience.
• Proven experience in a senior R&D leadership role within a product development environment.
• Strong technical affinity, ideally combining mechanical and electronic product knowledge.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on and pragmatic approach.
• Strong people manager who creates clarity, accountability and engagement.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Able to manage complexity, set priorities and deliver results.