R&D Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Competitor and Market Research: Investigate and analyze competitor products. Research specifications, performance metrics, and production methods to identify opportunities for differentiation and innovation.
• New Product Development: Lead end-to-end development of new products. Ensure successful feasibility analysis, prototyping, validation, and final launch. Formulate new formulas to help our current products evolve. Improve overall performance, functionality, and competitiveness.
• Component Innovation: Research, design, and implement new components or alternative parts to enhance current product lines to reduce costs and improve performance.
• Collaboration with Chemical Engineers: Partner with the chemical engineering team to co-develop new product formulations and ensure compatibility with manufacturing processes.
• Packaging Solutions: Design and develop new packaging options to improve sustainability, logistics, cost-effectiveness, and user experience.
• Manufacturing Layout Optimization: Evaluate and propose improved plant layouts, process flows, and configurations to increase production efficiency and lower operational costs.
• Continuous Process Improvement: Drive ongoing improvement initiatives within product development, and R&D processes to enhance quality, reduce waste, and boost efficiency.
• Technology and Standards Monitoring: Stay current of technological advancements, ergonomic design principles, evolving safety requirements, and changes to regulatory standards to ensure compliance and competitiveness.
• Project Management: Plan, coordinate, and monitor multiple R&D projects concurrently. Ensure they are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Testing & Validation: Supervise product testing for performance, safety, durability, and regulatory compliance. Analyze test results to make informed decisions.
• Regulatory & Compliance Oversight: Ensure all products and processes meet applicable regulatory, environmental, and industry-specific standards.
• Vendor & Supplier Coordination: Collaborate with vendors and suppliers to source innovative materials, components, or services that align with R&D goals.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain thorough technical documentation for all projects, including design files, test results, formulations, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Team Leadership & Development: Manage and mentor R&D team members. Foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation, accountability, and professional growth.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage R&D budgets. Including resource allocation, equipment procurement, and project-related expenses.

Requirements

• Must have a Bachelor's degree (BS) in Engineering from four-year college or university and five to seven years manufacturing experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Must have excellent attention to detail
• Must be able to communicate well with all levels of management