Global R&D Manager - Wipers

ITW • Kernersville, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The R&D manager is the primary technical resource within the organization, and their first priority is to deliver new products using the customer back innovation process. Additionally, the R&D manager will execute sustaining product developments to support cost savings and supply chain changes. Additional responsibilities include technical sales support, raw material evaluation, quality support, manufacturing support, and evaluation of processing equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years experience in R&D role utilizing a stage gate process to manage innovation projects.
• Minimum 2 years experience managing a team.
• Computer software literate with experience in spreadsheets and presentations.
• Deep knowledge of textiles related to primary materials used in production.
• Must be able to work effectively under pressure, managing multiple tasks within strict time frames.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently.
• Must be able to travel as needed.
• Ability to find and analyze technical and market data, use judgment and business acumen, and create clear product line and business strategies.
• Ability to analyze complex problems, identify root causes and suggest corrective actions in a timely manner.
• Must possess strong communication skills in oral and written form.
• Communicate and collaborate within a team-based marketing and sales environment to deliver results to internal and external stakeholders on strict timelines.
• Effective presentation skills.
• Write copy for technical and promotional literature in collaborative manner.
• Ability to develop key partnerships with manufacturing operations, quality assurance, sales and customer service.
• Ability to conduct complex calculations in support of pricing scenarios.
• Ability to analyze and interpret laboratory test data.
• Regularly sit and work at a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to see clearly at 20” or less.
• Travel as required to suppliers, customers, and tradeshows.
• Extended terminal and keyboard use.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Responsible for all adherence to Company, department, Quality, Safety, Environmental, OSHA and ISO policies and procedures.
• Must observe all safety regulations, policies and procedures and company rules when in specific manufacturing areas, may include the use of hearing protection and safety shoes.
• Knowledge of storage and handling requirements of hazardous chemicals.

Nice To Haves

• Direct textile manufacturing experience as a plus.

Responsibilities

• Leads the Customer Back Innovation (CBI) process for the business, working closely with business unit manager, product management, operations, quality, and sales to deliver key deliverables of each CBI phase: discover, create, develop and deploy.
• Ensures a balanced pipeline to meet CBI yield goals given team capacity and business prioritization.
• Solves technical hurdles to bring new products and technology to market.
• Works cross-functionally to identify and mitigate project risks.
• Maintains a thorough knowledge of available textiles, non-wovens, and other materials on the market, and a network of suppliers and external manufacturers to maintain existing products and bring new ones to market.
• Assists in supporting the global sales team by creating literature and sales tools required to train and support sales efforts.
• Supports contract negotiations for key accounts to meet sales and margin goals.
• Assesses custom requests, answers technical and application issues with end users as well as distributors to reinforce mindshare and maximize customer satisfaction.
• Trains internal personnel, customers, and distributors on product selection and applications.
• Builds deliverable-based project plans to meet launch schedules.
• Works closely with manufacturing and quality assurance to assure constant quality improvement and maximum cost efficiencies, which may include internal and external manufacturing processes, packaging design, and external lab resources.
• Attends tradeshows to interact with customers and promote product lines.
• Supports marketing communications with technical insights.

Benefits

• ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

What This Job Offers

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