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Quality, R&D & Sustainability Manager

Sunconfex • Belgium • Added on Jul 3, 2026
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In this versatile role, you take the lead on integrated policy across quality, innovation, and sustainability for the entire group. You’re the driving force behind professionalizing processes and translate the CEO’s vision into tangible R&D projects that push production to a higher level.

The core of this role lies in the transition toward a circular textile model. You don’t just oversee quality control — you actively steer material reduction, recycling, and the development of Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) to measurably shrink the environmental footprint of sun-protection textiles. Your work directly determines how sustainably the buildings of the future will be protected.

This suits someone who is an experienced professional wanting to combine the technical depth of manufacturing with strategic impact, has an entrepreneurial mindset and strong analytical skills, and is driven to make a tangible contribution to a more sustainable textile industry.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

As a triple-threat leader, you will oversee the group's quality management systems, ensuring supplier standards and internal KPI tracking through Power BI. Your mission is to bridge the gap between technical production and long-term sustainability goals. You will lead the R&D and innovation roadmap, initiating product tests and process improvements. This involves monitoring market regulations and new technologies to keep the company ahead of European textile requirements. On the sustainability front, you are responsible for the circular economy strategy. You will manage carbon footprinting, Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), and Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) to formalize the company’s environmental impact data.

Key learning opportunities for this job

This role offers deep immersion into technical textile manufacturing and the specific challenges of sun protection longevity. You will gain hands-on expertise in LCA and EPD methodologies, which are becoming standard requirements in the construction and textile sectors. You will also sharpen your leadership skills by working directly with the CEO, gaining insights into group-level strategic decision-making and international operations. Exposure to advanced data analytics via Power BI for quality and sustainability reporting is a key part of the professional growth offered.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The successful candidate brings at least 10 years of experience in quality, R&D, or product development, ideally within a technical textile or similar industrial manufacturing environment. A Master's degree is highly preferred. You should possess strong analytical skills and be comfortable using ERP systems and Power BI to drive data-driven improvements. A 'hands-on' mentality is essential for navigating a medium-sized enterprise where strategy and execution are closely linked. Fluency in Dutch and English is mandatory. Above all, you must demonstrate a genuine affinity for sustainability and a track record of implementing continuous improvement processes.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, emphasize your experience with industrialization and product validation. Since this is a newly created role, demonstrate your ability to build frameworks and policies from scratch rather than just following existing protocols. Tailor your application to highlight specific examples where you optimized resource efficiency or improved quality standards in a production environment. Showing an understanding of the European textile regulatory landscape (like REACH or Ecodesign) will prove your technical readiness for the sustainability aspects of the role.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The primary focus will be on eco-conception and circularity. You will explore how to integrate recycled materials into high-performance fabrics while maintaining the 100% quality promise the brand is known for. You will also focus on decarbonization and transparency. By executing EPD and CO2 footprint projects, you will provide the data necessary for customers to evaluate the environmental benefits of Sunconfex products in their own building projects. Internal waste reduction in the production sites in Belgium and Germany will also be a major focus area, ensuring that manufacturing processes are as lean and low-impact as possible.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the chief challenges will be balancing quality and sustainability. Introducing recycled or bio-based materials into sun protection fabrics requires rigorous testing to ensure durability is not compromised. You may also face the challenge of cultural transformation. Transitioning from a purely production-focused mindset to one centered on a 'quality and sustainability culture' across different international sites requires persistence and strong communication. Managing complex supply chains to ensure supplier quality and sustainability compliance will be demanding, especially when navigating global fluctuations in raw material availability.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with reviewing quality KPIs and complaint reports to identify immediate operational improvements. You might then transition into a meeting with the CEO to discuss long-term innovation strategy. Afternoons could be spent collaborating with external knowledge partners or machine builders to test new circular manufacturing techniques. You might also dedicate time to gathering data for an upcoming Environmental Product Declaration. Your day will likely involve constant communication between sales and production teams, ensuring that customer demands for sustainable products are technically feasible and meet the group's quality benchmarks.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

As this is a brand-new, high-level position reporting to the CEO, the role offers significant professional visibility. You have the unique opportunity to define your own success metrics and build the department according to your vision. Potential growth paths include moving into a Chief Operations Officer (COO) or Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) type role as the group continues its international expansion. You will become a recognized expert in sustainable textile innovation, a highly sought-after expertise in the current market.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will report directly to the CEO and collaborate closely with site managers in Belgium and Germany. These interactions focus on aligning group strategy with local production realities. Interactions with suppliers and machine builders are frequent, particularly regarding raw material quality and new technology adoption. You will also work with sales teams to understand market trends and customer requirements for sustainable certifications. Finally, you will engage with external knowledge centers and certification bodies to validate new product developments and ensure European regulatory compliance.

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