VP, R&D Engineering

SharkNinja•Needham, MA

About The Position

As the VP Research and Development, you will be responsible for overseeing and directing aspects of research, design, and development activities, driving innovation, and ensuring the successful execution of R&D projects in the Shark categories of Home Environment and Non-Robotic Floorcare products, aligned with SharkNinja’s goal of positively impacting people’s lives every day. You will put the consumer at the center of everything you do, and lead with an innovative mindset for the business. You are the product’s technical expert/curator: you will ensure a 5-star product and user experience for consumers by driving for the highest performance against the program KPIs. You must have a passion for bringing innovative, successful new products to market, and be a strategic thinker who strives to align category goals and objectives with company mission, moving forward vigorously with consensus. You will be positive, energetic, self-reliant, an agile thinker, a lover of consumer products, action-oriented, and be able to develop and drive a 5-star team that lives and breathes the SharkNinja Success Drivers.

Requirements

Extensive experience (typically 20+ years) in Engineering/R&D roles, with progressively increasing responsibilities and leadership positions. Prior experience in managing complex projects and leading AD/R&D initiatives is crucial.
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or a related field. Additional business qualifications or an MBA might be beneficial.
Strong leadership and persuasive communication skills
Ability to lead a dynamic, fast-paced, deadline-driven team
A “100% on” consumer-first perspective when it comes to introducing new products/processes or improving current products
Ability to work cross-functionally with product designers, marketing team members, supply chain, quality manufacturing, and test team members across the globe
Demonstrated management skills to lead and energetically motivate direct reports and also members of other teams who contribute to the business unit
Analytical and quantitative skills; experience using hard data and metrics to back up assumptions and develop business cases
Experience leading R&D for products involving Air Flow analysis.

Responsibilities

Lead technical projects and influence and guide a cross-functional team in the Shark categories of Home Environment and Non-Robotic Floorcare/Cleaning. Provide guidance, support, and encouragement to foster a culture of innovation and excellence.
Oversee the entire lifecycle of projects from conception to completion in the Shark product categories of Home Environment and Non-Robotic Floorcare/Cleaning as needed. Ensure technical workstreams and development projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality standards.
Drive continuous innovation by staying updated with emerging technologies, market trends, and industry advancements. Encourage and facilitate research activities to develop new products, technologies, or processes.
Foster collaboration between AD, R&D, product development, engineering, and other departments to ensure seamless integration of R&D initiatives into product development cycles.
Identify potential risks and challenges in R&D projects and develop mitigation strategies to address them proactively.
Effectively communicate AD/R&D project status, strategies, progress, and outcomes to key stakeholders, executives, and other relevant parties.
Evaluate new technologies, tools, or potential partnerships that could enhance the R&D capabilities and contribute to the company's growth.