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R&D Manager — Consulting Specialist, Leather Alternatives & Process Optimization

Partner with tanneries across Europe to drive innovation in sustainable leather alternatives, leading product development from concept to production.. Troubleshoot technical challenges and implement process improvements across retanning and finishing operations.. Provide strategic technical guidance grounded in chemistry and production expertise to ensure quality, efficiency, and best practices.. Conduct on-site development trials and hands-on client support across partner facilities.

Senior Manager, Retanning & Finishing

Led retanning and finishing development for Reishi® mycelium material, identifying optimal chemistry for luxury handbags, footwear, and garments.. Directed quality and testing inspection following retanning and finishing, collecting and analyzing data to drive continuous improvement.. Developed and adapted machinery for the Reishi material process, improving retanning and finishing efficiency.. Collaborated cross-functionally with R&D, Logistics, Quality, Product Development, and Customer teams to optimize the process end-to-end.

Sales Manager, Leather Chemicals

Managed the chemical sales department for the leather industry across automotive, furniture, footwear, and apparel segments.. Served as Key Account Manager for Austria, Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Asia.. Led testing, research, and development of new chemical products for tannery clients.

Leather Exportation Project Lead

Structured the mechanism and logistics for leather exportation from Venezuela to Europe and China.

Marketing Manager

Led the introduction and promotion of a European-formulated, Venezuela-produced professional hair color line for mass-market consumption.. Secured distribution into Makro (Metro) — 37 stores nationwide — plus La Nena (10,000+ pharmacy clients), Drexa (1,000 points of sale in Caracas), and Únicomarca's neighborhood retail network.. Managed sales, distribution, and go-to-market strategy across all four channels.

R&D Manager

Audited leather factories for the automotive industry and supervised sales to major clients including Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and the Volkswagen Group.. Delivered technical support, quality control, and training at subcontracted factories.. Led R&D for new automotive leather articles.. Managed client and supplier relations locally and internationally; visited finishing factories in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, and the R&D center in Detroit, USA.

Director

Worked as a realtor, advising clients on real estate investment opportunities to help build long-term wealth.

Technical Manager

Led R&D for the automotive sector, serving major clients including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, and Land Rover.. Directed leather wet-end manufacturing and developed new formulations and processes for beam house and retanning in car upholstery.. Provided technical support and conducted audits and purchasing of wet-blue, wet-white, and automotive crust leather across the USA and Latin America.. Coordinated and oversaw supplier trials within Feltex production; delivered technical support for retanning operations.

Project Manager

Managed outsourced pre-tanning, tanning, and retanning operations for upholstery, automotive upholstery, and shoe uppers.. Directed manufacturing and marketing of fire-starter briquettes, exporting to South America, South Africa, and Australia.

R&D Manager

Led R&D for automotive upholstery retanning for German and North American customers.. Delivered technical support in retanning production; coordinated and oversaw supplier trials within Eagle Ottawa's operations.. Provided technical support and audited wet-blue and wet-white suppliers across South Africa.

Internship, R&D

Conducted retanning and finishing trials in the R&D department for automotive upholstery clients including Ford, Toyota, Mitsubishi, and Chevrolet.

Completed a 9-month program in pre-tanning, tanning, and retanning for upholstery, automotive upholstery, shoe uppers, and garments.. Completed a 7-month program in finishing for upholstery, automotive upholstery, shoe uppers, and garments.. Conducted R&D on new products alongside customers and technicians from partner companies worldwide.

Leather Technician Degree, specializing in leather production for the automotive, footwear, and furniture industries.. Ledermeister (Master Tanner) Certificate.. Certified Trainer qualification for chemical-technical apprentices specializing in leather.

Apprenticeship, Wet-End, Retannage & Finishing for upholstery and automotive upholstery.