Application & Systems Development Manager

About Knauf Insulation
As part of the Knauf Group, Knauf Insulation represents one of the most respected and progressive names in insulation worldwide. With manufacturing operations in Europe, (including Russia and UK) Asia and North America, annual sales revenue is in excess of EUR 2 billion.

Knauf Insulation is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of insulation products and solutions. We are present in more than 40 countries and have 28 manufacturing sites in 15 countries. We manufacture a wide range of insulation products to meet the growing demand for energy efficiency and acoustic performance in new and existing homes, commercial buildings and industrial applications. 

Products manufactured by Knauf Insulation include glasswool with ECOSE® Technology, blow-in glasswool and rock mineral wool. Knauf Insulation has a successful track record in innovation, research and development contributing to the development of proprietary technology to create significant advantages over competitive manufacturers.

The Asia Pacific region has its headquarters in Brisbane, Australia and has a large glasswool manufacturing facility in Johor Bahru, Malaysia to service customers in Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, China and other countries in South East Asia.

Purpose of the role
 The Application and Systems Development Manager at Knauf Insulation Asia Pacific plays a pivotal role in the region, with a primary focus on delivering superior performance through advanced insulation systems and solutions that not only meet but anticipate the evolving needs of specifiers and the construction industry. This approach aligns with our overarching strategy to leverage Knauf Insulation's advanced technologies, ensuring that our products and systems stand out and provide a compelling advantage in the construction sector.

The Application and Systems Development Manager will use essential technical knowledge and experience of Knauf Insulation processes and manufacturing technologies to drive Knauf Insulation's growth in the Asia Pacific region by designing and developing systems which provide distinct advantages to construction professionals, architects, and specifiers.

The Application and Systems Development Manager will drive the creation of innovative insulation systems that set Knauf Insulation apart from competitors and will be instrumental in aligning product and application development efforts with market trends, industry standards, and the specific needs of specifiers. By optimising insulation systems for various construction applications, the role aims to provide tangible benefits that extend beyond conventional product offerings. This includes enhanced energy efficiency, fire safety, environmental sustainability, and overall cost-effectiveness.

The role will also provide technical support and cultivate relationships with external stakeholders, such as architects, contractors, and specifiers to generate specification of Knauf Insulation systems.

Key objectives and responsibilities:

• Utilise the benefits of Knauf Insulation proprietary technology to develop products and systems that balance manufacturing efficiency with competitive advantage in various countries.
• Lead the development of innovative insulation systems for a diverse range of construction applications.
• Achieve certification for systems to demonstrate compliance and fitness-for-purpose applicable to regulations in each country.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate Knauf Group technologies into system designs.
• Use existing knowledge of Knauf Insulation technologies and manufacturing processes to design and optimise high performing building systems to ensure superior performance and efficiency, and which differentiate Knauf Insulation.
• Utilise engineering principles, building physics and industry standards to create robust and cost-effective solutions.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance existing systems and develop new ones.
• Oversee the testing and validation processes to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of developed systems.
• Collaborate with internal and external laboratories to conduct rigorous performance testing.
• Analyze test results and implement modifications for product and system improvement.
• Identify market opportunities in the APAC region for insulation systems.
• Develop strategies to position Knauf Insulation systems as the preferred choice for specifiers and construction professionals.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to create compelling value propositions and marketing materials.
• Engage with internal stakeholders, including sales, marketing, and production teams, to align development efforts with business objectives.
• Provide technical support and cultivate relationships with external stakeholders, such as architects, contractors, and specifiers to generate specification for Knauf Insulation systems.

Qualifications and experience required:

• Expertise in modern glasswool manufacturing techniques.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Experience in the insulation industry is essential.
• Knowledge of Knauf Insulation products and manufacturing processes is essential.
• Proven experience in a similar role is essential.
• Proven experience of building relationships with external stakeholders.
• Proven experience in managing product development within a construction products manufacturer is essential.

Required skills:

• Meticulous attention to detail in documentation and reporting processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to identify and solve technical challenges efficiently.
• Team player with high degree of facilitating processes between teams with different profiles and objectives.
• Project management skills.
• High level of organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly.
• Collaborative approach to working with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
• Understanding of construction methods.
• Knowledge of Knauf Insulation manufacturing processes.
• Strong project management skills to oversee multiple initiatives concurrently and meet deadlines.
• Computer literate on online collaboration tools, MS Office and Email
• Willingness to travel within the Asia Pacific region as needed.

Reporting structure
The Application and Systems Development Manager reports to the Technical Director (Asia Pacific). The position is based in Brisbane, Australia with domestic and international travel as required. This position does not support an option to work from home.