About Ponda

Ponda is a biomaterials company committed to regenerating the world's damaged wetlands through technologies that bring value to wetland-based crops. Our flagship product, BioPuff®, is a next-generation insulation material made from Typha latifolia (bulrushes), a plant cultivated using paludiculture—a sustainable form of marsh farming. This innovative approach not only produces a lightweight and warm insulation but also contributes to carbon sequestration, biodiversity enhancement, and climate resilience .

The Role
Ponda is looking for a visionary and dynamic Head of Research & Development (R&D) to lead our R&D department. As the Head of R&D, you will work closely with our Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and cross-functional teams to develop and implement an R&D strategy for the BioPuff® product line and beyond. You will be at the helm of innovation, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and helping shape the future of sustainable fashion through BioPuff insulation products.

The ideal candidate has the management capabilities to design and lead complex projects, but is not afraid to get hands-on in the lab and on the production line, rolling up their sleeves and making a tangible impact on the development process. At Ponda, we are a small, agile team that values diverse skill sets, creativity, and lateral thinking, fostering a collaborative environment where every individual’s contribution makes a difference.

Key Responsibilities

• R&D Strategy & Development:
  
  

  • Collaborate with the CTO to define and execute the R&D strategy for BioPuff® and other bio-based products.
    

  • Lead the continuous development and enhancement of our product offerings to ensure they meet the highest standards of performance, sustainability, and scalability.        

• Project Management & Product Development:
  
  
  • Manage and oversee the development of various product categories, including loose-fill and wadding (nonwoven) products, ensuring project timelines and deliverables are met.
    
  • Coordinate industrial trials for new materials and processing techniques, ensuring smooth transitions from prototype to production.
    
  • Stay ahead of industry trends, identifying new technologies and processes to maintain our competitive edge in sustainable textiles.
    
    
• Natural Fibre Treatment & Processing:
  
  

• Design and lead projects focused on the development of natural fibre treatments and processing techniques to enhance the durability, comfort, and performance of BioPuff® and other sustainable materials.
  

• Explore new methods of enhancing natural fibre and material performance 

• Design, implement, and manage quality control (QC) protocols to ensure that all products meet Ponda's high standards for performance, sustainability, and safety.

• Work closely with our agriculture and manufacturing teams to ensure the highest quality standards for natural fibres, ensuring a seamless integration of these materials into our product lines.
  

• Collaborate with agricultural experts optimising plant cultivation practices and supply chain logistics, improving both sustainability and material quality.
  

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement:
  
  

  • Work in close collaboration with other departments, including agriculture, manufacturing, engineering, and marketing teams, to ensure seamless execution of R&D projects.
    

  • Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including research partners, manufacturers and supply chain partners, to drive innovation in next-gen material and sustainable fashion.
    
    

About You
We are looking for someone who is passionate about materials, sustainability and innovation. As the Head of R&D, you will be a forward-thinking leader with a deep understanding of product development in the textiles or biomaterials sector. You should have a track record of managing complex projects, leading cross-disciplinary teams, and bringing new technologies to market.

Key Skills & Qualifications:

• Education: A Master’s degree or higher in Materials Science, Textile/Fibre Engineering, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field. A Ph.D. is highly desirable, especially in a field relevant to sustainable materials or biobased technologies.

• Experience: 5+ years in R&D or product development, with a strong background in textiles, biomaterials, or related fields. Experience in natural fibre or sustainable products development is a plus.
  

• Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of fibre processing and nonwoven materials. 
  

• Project Management: Demonstrated experience managing complex R&D projects from concept to commercialisation, with a focus on meeting deadlines and budget targets.
  

• Passion for Sustainability: A deep passion for sustainability, regenerative materials, and creating environmentally conscious products.
  

• Communication: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
  
  

Why Ponda?
At Ponda, you will be part of a rapidly growing company that is redefining sustainability in the fashion industry. You’ll lead projects that have a lasting, positive impact on the planet. This is a unique opportunity to be a trailblazer in the development of biobased materials and regenerative agriculture, with the potential to change the way the fashion industry thinks about its environmental footprint.

We offer a collaborative and dynamic work environment where you will be empowered to innovate and lead. Together, we will create products that contribute to a healthier planet, one stitch at a time.

What you get in return:

• Competitive salary

• Be part of an innovative endeavour towards truly regenerative materials

• Contribute to company research direction

• Flexible working around core hours

• Cycle to work scheme

• Scale with a rapidly growing organisation, working with experienced and motivated individuals

• Birthday day off

• Dog friendly office

• Fun! We work hard, but we make sure we enjoy the process.

To Apply
If you're ready to join a purpose-driven company at the forefront of sustainability, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today by submitting your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and why you're excited to lead R&D at Ponda.

Equal opportunities employer statement

Ponda aims to be an equal opportunities employer. We invest in people regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race. We assure equality and respect. We do not accept any form of harassment, bias or discrimination towards applicants and employees.