Global R&D Manager - Wipers

ITW • Kernersville, NC

2d • Hybrid

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 with direct textile manufacturing experience 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 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.
• 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

• Direct textile manufacturing experience as a plus.

Responsibilities

• Leads the Customer Back Innovation (CBI) process for the business, working closely with various departments to deliver key deliverables of each CBI phase.
• 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 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, 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.

Benefits

• Unique perspectives, experiences and ideas are valued.
• Workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.
• Equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees.
• Career development and learning opportunities in more than 50 countries across the globe.
• Investment in people and support for their growth through unique and relevant development opportunities.
• Decentralized, entrepreneurial culture empowers you to think and act like a business owner.
• Opportunity to perform to your full potential.
• Value unique and diverse perspectives, experiences and ideas that make us better together.
• Tools to focus on what’s most important.
• Grounded in values of Integrity, Simplicity, Trust, Respect and Shared Risk.

What This Job Offers

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