Director of Research and Development

HIT Promotional • Largo, FL

6h

About The Position

The Director of Research and Development leads the strategy, planning, and execution of innovative initiatives related to promotional products, product decoration technologies, and manufacturing processes. This role is responsible for identifying and developing new promotional product opportunities while advancing printing and decoration capabilities through new machinery, automation, and process improvements. The Director of R&D works closely with operations, engineering, and product teams to ensure the organization remains at the forefront of innovation in the promotional products industry, delivering high-quality, efficient, and scalable manufacturing solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Product Development, or related field required.
• 8–12 years of experience in research and development, manufacturing innovation, or engineering leadership.
• Strong experience with promotional products, product decoration technologies, or related printing industries.
• Experience evaluating, selecting, or implementing printing machinery, decoration equipment, or manufacturing automation.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage complex innovation projects.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in high-volume manufacturing environments is preferred.
• Deep knowledge of promotional product decoration methods and printing technologies.
• Strong technical and mechanical aptitude related to production equipment and manufacturing processes.
• Strategic thinking with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to evaluate and implement new technologies to improve manufacturing efficiency and quality.
• Strong vendor and equipment evaluation capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and evaluation of new promotional products and product enhancements that support manufacturing capabilities.
• Research and evaluate emerging decoration technologies, including screen printing, pad printing, digital printing, UV printing, laser engraving, embroidery, heat transfer, and other imprinting methods.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement new printing and production machinery to improve efficiency, decoration capabilities, and product quality.
• Oversee product testing, prototype development, and production trials to ensure manufacturability and decoration feasibility.
• Collaborate with operations and engineering teams to improve production processes, automation, and workflow efficiency.
• Manage the R&D pipeline for new products, decoration techniques, and manufacturing improvements.
• Lead pilot programs for new equipment, decoration methods, or production processes before full-scale implementation.
• Establish and maintain testing protocols to ensure products and decoration methods meet quality and durability standards.
• Analyze emerging technologies, equipment capabilities, and process innovations within the promotional products and printing industries.
• Manage R&D budgets, capital equipment evaluations, and project timelines.
• Build relationships with machinery manufacturers, equipment vendors, and technology providers to stay informed of advancements in printing and production technologies.
• Track and report on R&D initiatives, innovation progress, and operational improvements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director