Manager, Product Development

Scotts Miracle-Gro•Marysville, OH

7d•$140,000 - $164,700

About The Position

The Product Development Manager (PDM) will lead a cross functional and technical team responsible for product development of our consumer Lawn, Garden & Home Care products. The PDM role is accountable for matching technical solutions with business and consumer needs while developing future leaders within Scotts Miracle Gro's R&D organization. The PDM will be responsible for identifying new products, new claims, and cost savings opportunities, driving the advancement of the core consumer product portfolio. While direct reports will typically include biologists and formulators, project leadership extends to packaging engineers, procurement, quality, regulators and marketers. The PDM is the primary commercialization liaison between R&D and the larger cross functional team. The PDM will be responsible for setting expectations, timelines, budgets, mentoring, resource management, and project management. This role will report to the R&D category director.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree, Chemistry , Engineering, Life Science/Physical Science
10 - 15 Years of experience preferred
MS in physical/life science, chemistry or engineering with 5 or more years of people and project management experience.
Ph.D. preferred, and may offset 3 years of industry experience.
Substantial experience in new product development of consumer packaged goods; ideally lawn and garden products; including managing the daily aspects of existing product and preparing, supporting and implementing new product introductions.
Appreciation for the key role of marketing in a consumer goods business.
Detail orientated with ability to multitask in a dynamic environment where success depends on deep internal and external collaborations.
Knowledge of experimental design, EPA registrations, fertilizer registrations, and full product lifecycle from conception to launch which may include, ideation/technology scouting, concept refinement, development, commercialization, collaboration with internal stakeholders such as marketing, supply chain, product portfolio management, conducting research in support of product launches and cost savings initiatives.
Experience communicating scientific concepts to senior leadership (including Directors, GM’s, VP’s, COO, CEO and Board Members); outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated success in team building, leadership and talent development.
Possess keen focus on deliverables
Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams using a collaborative approach
Experience partnering effectively with marketing, regulatory agencies and senior management to develop new product concepts based on consumer insights.
Strong ability to influence key stakeholders through technical expertise and leadership skills.
Exceptional relationship building / interpersonal skill and the ability to work with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
MS in physical/life science, chemistry or engineering with 5 or more years of people and project management experience.
Ph.D. preferred, and may offset 3 years of industry experience.
Advanced business degree (MBA) with science training (MS, BS) and product commercialization experience, with 5 or more years of people and project management experience.
BS/BA (life/physical science, or engineering) with 10 or more years of demonstrable experience in chemically related product development, including people management project management experience.

Responsibilities

Bring new products from inception to commercialization in the consumer L&G market.
Identify, evaluate and advocate for innovative ideas and move them through the SMG innovation process.
Develop and manage project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation to ensure timely delivery of products to market.
Gain alignment with senior leadership through regular milestone updates.
Provides leadership to direct reports to develop the future generation of R&D leaders by supporting their development through coaching and performance management.
Create a team culture that encourages and promotes innovative solutions.
Participates in developing business strategy to drive growth in the consumer L&G space.
Gather consumer insights derived from both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods such as focus groups, ethnography, surveys etc. to steer innovation and product development
Provide technical and/or managerial expertise to support the maintenance of current product lines through continuous improvement
Identification of strategic partner and/or acquisition candidates, leads the assessment of new 3rd party technologies, including the evaluation of partnership agreements (CDA’s MTA’s etc.), and communicating the technology linkage to business needs.
Partner with the Procurement team to identify, evaluate and advocate for innovative materials to incorporate into future or current products.
Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in product development and horticultural science.