Sr. Manager, R&D

Energizer Holdings•Westlake, OH

1d•$129,000 - $187,000

About The Position

Energizer Holdings Inc. is seeking a Sr. Manager, R&D Product Development to lead innovation within its Auto Care Appearance business — a ~$300M category and a primary growth engine within the broader $650M Auto Care portfolio. This role sits at the intersection of formulation science, product innovation, and commercial execution, directly leading a team of up to 17 cross-functional scientists, engineers, and project leaders to deliver breakthrough innovation, execute a fast-paced 1-year NPD pipeline, and drive cost and supply optimization initiatives. The successful candidate will combine strong technical depth in formulated consumer products, experience with consumer insights-based product development, and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders, including senior leadership, marketing, procurement, legal, quality assurance, and retail customers. This isndivudual needs to be a strong people-oriented team builder able to envision, motivate and engage teams in a quickly evolving business landscape This individual will be a highly visible leader within the organization and a key partner in shaping the future of Energizer’s Auto Care business.

Requirements

5 or more years of consumer insights-based, technology-leveraged product development management experience with a track record of product launch success. Experience with formulated consumer products (e.g. personal care, hair care, beauty, home care (surface care, cleaning), auto care, or adjacent categories) is a plus
Must possess ability to comprehend business objectives and work independently to solve problems in the most efficient manner possible.
Experience managing teams of 5 or more, including managers or supervisors, preferred.
Proven ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders, including regular customer-facing interactions
Minimum of BS in Chemistry, Engineering, or other relevant scientific discipline required. Master’s degree preferred.
Strong knowledge of product development systems and tools required.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to operate project lifecycle management software.
Excellent communication and organization skills with ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

Technical experience with retail cleaning, conditioning, and related formulated categories, whether in auto care, home care (surface care, cleaning), personal care (hair care & conditioning, skin care), etc.
Ability to speak with customers and other external stakeholders.
Team leadership, Stage Gate Protocol, Design for Six Sigma, Statistics, and Design of Experiments.
Experience working closely with manufacturing and external suppliers.
Technical team management experience

Responsibilities

Set the strategic plan for R&D with emphasis on the Product Cycle Plan as well as the product and technical roadmap, supporting a $300M+ revenue business within the broader Appearance portfolio.
Lead 4 to 5 direct reports, including 2 Managers responsible for Breakthrough Innovation and NPD/cost optimization initiatives, respectively, with an overall team of up to 17 scientists, engineers, designers, and project leaders.
Track projects and manage products from conception to launch and ensure on time delivery of high volume, high-quality branded products.
Provide project leadership and communicate updates across cross-functional teams and to senior leadership.
Effectively communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, including senior leadership, marketing partners, and external customers.
Work directly with suppliers to design, prototype, and develop innovative new products - travel to manufacturing locations to lead development and give on-site direction and approvals as needed.
Work with marketing, sales, and regulatory in developing competitive claims and product demonstrations.
Drive the creation of intellectual property (patents).
Provide technical guidance to cross functional teams (Marketing, Commercial, Procurement, Operations).
Manage the team via assignment planning, succession planning, and performance management. Optimize organizational structure to deliver business priorities and drive needed capabilities.