Global R&D Manager - Wipers

ITW•Kernersville, NC

About The Position

The R&D manager is the primary technical resources 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 with direct textile manufacturing experience, preferable in circular knits as a plus.
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, including internal 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 develop material and product costing.
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.
Knowledge of storage and handling requirements of hazardous chemicals.

Nice To Haves

Preferably 10+ years of experience.

Responsibilities

Leads the Customer Back Innovation 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, including non-wovens, wovens, and knit materials, and a network of suppliers and external manufacturers.
Assists in supporting the global sales team by creating literature and sales tools.
Supports contract negotiations for key accounts to meet sales and margin goals.
Assesses custom requests and answers technical and application issues with end users and distributors.
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.
Attends tradeshows to interact with customers and promote product lines.
Supports marketing communications with technical insights.