Global R&D Manager

A global manufacturer of engineered contamination control and specialty cleaning products is seeking an experienced Global R&D Manager – to lead the development and commercialization of innovative wiping solutions supporting highly regulated and advanced manufacturing industries.

Reporting to senior leadership, this position will drive product innovation through a customer-focused development process, partnering closely with Sales, Marketing, Operations, Quality, and Product Management to identify market opportunities and deliver new products from concept through commercialization.

The Global R&D Manager will also provide technical sales support, lead a team of R&D professionals, oversee multiple development projects, and ensure products meet customer expectations for performance, quality, and reliability.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a hands-on technical leader who enjoys combining product innovation, customer engagement, and team leadership within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Lead the development and commercialization of new wiping products from concept through product launch.
• Drive customer-focused innovation by identifying unmet market needs and translating them into differentiated product solutions.
• Develop and execute product roadmaps aligned with strategic business objectives.
• Evaluate new materials, technologies, and manufacturing processes to improve product performance and competitiveness.
• Analyze market trends and competitive products to identify future growth opportunities.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of R&D scientists, engineers, and laboratory personnel.
• Establish project priorities and allocate resources to meet business objectives.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support employee development through coaching, mentoring, and performance management.

• Serve as the technical resource for Sales, Marketing, and Product Management.
• Participate in customer meetings to understand technical requirements and recommend product solutions.
• Support customer trials, product qualifications, and application development.
• Assist with resolving technical product issues and customer inquiries.

• Manage multiple product development projects simultaneously from concept through commercialization.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Engineering, Operations, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Marketing.
• Monitor project schedules, budgets, milestones, and deliverables.
• Ensure successful transfer of new products into manufacturing.

• Partner with Quality to investigate product performance issues and implement corrective actions.
• Develop product specifications, validation methods, and testing protocols.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives for existing product lines.
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality systems and customer requirements.
• Collaborate with commercial teams to identify emerging customer needs and market opportunities.
• Participate in customer visits, technical presentations, and industry events.
• Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and technology partners.
• Provide technical expertise to support strategic business initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Textile Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of product development or research and development experience within a manufacturing environment.
• 3+ years of leadership experience managing technical, engineering, or R&D teams.
• Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience providing technical support to customers and commercial teams.

• Experience with nonwoven materials, engineered textiles, specialty wiping products, filtration media, technical fabrics, or related engineered materials.
• Knowledge of regulated manufacturing industries such as life sciences, medical devices, semiconductor, electronics, or advanced manufacturing.
• Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, and product validation.
• Familiarity with ISO quality systems and regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience leading global product development initiatives.
• Customer-focused with a passion for innovation.
• Strategic thinker with strong business and technical acumen.
• Collaborative leader who builds strong cross-functional relationships.
• Results-oriented with exceptional execution skills.
  
  Strong analytical and problem solving abilities.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced manufacturing environment.