Application Engineering Manager

Zotefoams plc is a world leader in cellular material technology, with facilities in Croydon, UK; Kentucky and Oklahoma, USA; Brzeg, Poland; and Jiangsu Province, China (T-FIT).

We produce lightweight foams for a wide range of markets including sports and leisure, aviation, automotive, and healthcare. Zotefoams also owns and licenses patented technology and supplies advanced insulation systems.

The Company is on a strong growth trajectory, with significant revenue and profitability increases in recent years and ambitious plans for the future.

About the Role:

We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Application Engineering Manager to lead a global team driving innovation and customer success across advanced polymer foam applications.

This is a pivotal leadership role, combining technical expertise with strategic thinking. You will shape how we deliver application engineering globally, ensuring our products meet real customer needs while unlocking new commercial opportunities.

You will act as a senior technical authority, partnering closely with commercial, innovation, and operations teams to support business growth across multiple regions and industries.

Role Responsibilities:

Technical & Commercial Leadership

• Lead global application engineering activities across new and existing product applications

• Translate technical insight into commercial opportunities that support business growth

• Act as a senior technical expert for polymer foam applications, supporting key customers and innovation projects

• Ensure strong understanding of customer requirements, market trends, and compliance standards

Team Leadership & Development

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing global engineering team

• Drive capability development, succession planning, and continuous improvement

• Set clear objectives aligned with business priorities

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and customer-focused culture

Project & Resource Management

• Oversee a global portfolio of application engineering projects

• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to high technical standards

• Allocate resources effectively across multiple priorities

• Contribute to planning, budgeting, and laboratory utilisation

Knowledge & Collaboration

• Develop and maintain best practice guidance and technical knowledge across the business

• Ensure insights and learnings are shared globally

• Partner with commercial, innovation, operations, and quality teams

• Ensure compliance with relevant technical and regulatory standards

What you'll need:

Qualifications

• Degree in Polymer Technology, Materials Science, Engineering, or similar

Experience

• Significant experience in application engineering or a senior technical role within polymers, foam, or advanced materials

• Proven experience working directly with customers on technical solutions

• Strong people leadership experience, including coaching and team development

• Experience managing complex, global projects

Skills

• Strong leadership and communication skills

• Commercial awareness with the ability to translate technical value into business impact

• Strategic thinker with a practical, hands-on approach

• Excellent organisational and problem-solving ability

• Ability to build relationships across global and cross-functional teams

Why Join Us?

At Zotefoams, we believe in fostering a supportive and innovative environment where everybody can thrive. By joining us, you will be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and opportunities for professional growth and development.

Our Values

Courage - The courage to take bold action to ensure that we succeed in tackling our challenges and opportunities.

Impact – Dedicated to making a significant and positive impact in everything we do.

Respect - Cultivate a respectful and inclusive environment where everyone is valued and collaboration is encouraged.

Zotefoams is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees