Ardagh Group · 22 hours ago
R&D Metal Director Global
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
10+ years expArdagh Group is a global supplier of infinitely recyclable metal and glass packaging solutions, and they are seeking a Global R&D Director – Metal Design Innovation to lead the next wave of metal packaging innovation. This high-impact leadership role involves guiding regional R&D teams, managing complex projects, and driving global strategies for metal design and innovation.
Manufacturing
Responsibilities
Lead global metal design innovation by guiding regional R&D Directors and cross-functional teams, integrating advanced simulation, FEA and AI-driven optimization into can and end design
Translate customer and market needs into scalable design solutions, developing robust business cases that ensure regulatory compliance while delivering cost, efficiency and performance benefits in close collaboration with Manufacturing, Engineering and Suppliers
Own and drive a global portfolio of complex R&D projects, managing all stage-gates from concept through industrialization, plant rollout and commercialization, ensuring delivery on time and within budget
Build and lead specialized expert teams, defining resource needs, capabilities and capital investment plans aligned with AMP’s global innovation and lightweighting roadmap
Establish technical governance and methodologies for quality support, qualifications, testing and analytical services, enabling regions to effectively resolve quality and productivity challenges
Lead cross-regional and cross-functional innovation programs in partnership with key suppliers, technology partners and universities to accelerate next-generation can and end technologies
Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships across metal design, DWI technologies and process innovation, acting as a key technical interface with internal and external stakeholders
Support global and regional marketing initiatives by enabling the development of new materials, designs and products that meet customer requirements and drive top-line growth
Define global quality standards and operational guidelines for new designs, lightweighting and downgauging technologies, ensuring consistency, safety and scalability across regions
Engage globally through regular international travel, including quarterly leadership meetings in North America, Germany and Brazil, and visits to manufacturing facilities worldwide to stay closely connected to regional complexities and opportunities
Qualification
Required
Advanced degree (Master's / PhD preferred) in Mechanical or Metallurgical Engineering
10+ years of experience in metal design & innovation
Proven leadership in global or multi-regional R&D environments
Strong expertise in FEA (Abaqus), CAD and advanced simulation
Experience with business case development, ROI and project financial impact
Familiarity with IP / patenting and comparative design reviews
Fluent English and willingness to travel internationally
Benefits
To be a part of exciting and growing business
Global scope, real ownership and decision-making authority
Company
Ardagh Group
Ardagh Group manufactures metal and glass packaging solutions for various industries worldwide.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Ardagh Group has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (13)
2024 (5)
2023 (5)
2022 (15)
2021 (4)
2020 (6)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$2.34B2025-07-28Debt Financing· $1.5B
2024-04-15Debt Financing· $839.36M
2017-03-14IPO
Leadership Team
Shaun Murphy
Chief Operating Officer
P
Paul Clarke
Group Director (AMPSA), Risk Management
Recent News
2025-12-15
2025-11-27
2025-11-27
Company data provided by crunchbase