R&D Manager

ITW•Lakeland, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The R&D Manager is a key contributor to the successful development and execution of the Business Unit growth initiatives by having a deep understanding of market trends, assessing emerging technologies and their relevance to ProAP products and services. This role brings best-in-class ideation and innovation techniques that deliver a pipeline of creative, new products that address customer pain points and create a sustained, differentiated portfolio that will fuel profitable growth for the Business Unit.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, MS preferred
Experience with lubricant materials particularly with oils and industrial fluids used in automotives
10+ years experience leading Technical teams
Proven leader with demonstrated success in fostering a collaborative, accountable and solution-oriented environment
Must be innovative, flexible, curious and have exhibited success by identifying and successfully translating market ideas into tangible business solutions.
Must have demonstrated success in understanding and prioritizing speed and urgency based on changing market conditions.
Proven and successful new product launch experience, including intimate familiarity with innovation funnel, stage-gate process, strong supplier relationships, maintaining ISO standards and effective product lifecycle planning.
Intellectual curiosity, technical acumen and strong analytical / decision making skills.
An exhibited dedication to Safety
Must have a desire to travel as required

Responsibilities

Support Business Unit Strategic Planning process to include market technology trends, competitive analysis, claims development and the evaluation and recommendation of business strategies and tactics.
Supervisory responsibility over R&D including new technology development and testing, qualification, manufacturing scale-up of product formulas, and continuous product differentiation/process improvement.
Creates a collaborative, learning & accountable culture, working closely with customers, and delivering speed, quality & value consistently.
Manages product performance testing, qualification/validation & competitive comparisons.
Coordinates on product development within Car Care division as appropriate.
New product development, exploring solutions that create a pipeline of differentiated new products.
Leverages partnership with Marketing Team regarding market knowledge, customer needs, industry trends and advances in technology.
Leads team to explore, test, and translate knowledge into tangible solutions.
Directs research and product development efforts and ensures key milestones, project timelines and approved budgets are met.
Aligns business case with Leadership team to deliver on KPIs.
Partner with other ITW divisions, supplier base, universities and other relevant players to help the BU assess opportunities, build capabilities and accelerate pace of innovation.
Develop strong understanding of ITW 80/20 management process and the Enterprise Strategy to execute on 80/20 initiatives.