R&D Manager

The R&D Manager will manage operational focused priorities, assignments and projects in support of the EIMEA region.

This individual will be critical in ensuring effective R&D support for projects, technical support to sales and marketing, development of product renovation,

and overseeing R&D led research projects as required to maintain and improve the quality and consistency of our products.

This role will be key in providing R&D leadership for key strategic and technical projects, balancing scientific rigor with the commercial needs of the business, to maintain the integrity of R&D whilst positively contributing to our commercial success.

• Leads a team of scientists to ensure effective R&D support for commercial projects, development of product renovation, technical support to sales and marketing, and conduct R&D led development and research projects as required.
• Demonstrate servant leadership in the attainment of corporate, department and personal goals through developing and leading a highly effective team.
• Live the Company’s stated Values and Code of Conduct that others can emulate.
• Provide ongoing coaching/training, experiential learning, and talent development plans to optimize performance outcomes, growth, and engagement.
• Identify and provide necessary resources and information to overcome barriers to success and accomplish goals.
• Identifies developmental needs of staff assigned, creates plans and programs to allow them the opportunity for experiences that will help them advance.

• Provides R&D leadership for major EIMEA projects, typically lasting over 12 months. This would typically include the onboarding of new fillers and blenders, the qualification of new strategic suppliers and supplier manufacturing locations, and the investigation of major technical matters. In the course of supporting major strategic projects, may be required to develop and validate new and bespoke test methodologies and overcome complex technical challenges.
• Provides additional ad hoc support for allocated Operational and product renovation MOC’s. This would typically include the qualification of new and alternative raw materials and components and the development and testing of new formulas and packaging. In the case of qualifying new and alternative raw materials and components, the senior project scientist may be required to prove product performance, stability and claim support whilst ensuring both regulatory and WD-40 mandatory compliance.
• Translates business objectives to effective plans and projects following appropriate scientific methods and employing identified resources, both internal and external. Is responsible for communications related to assigned objectives.
• Fulfills the support requirements as indicated by business needs and anticipates future requirements before they manifest.
• Manages the Operational focused priorities, assignments and projects in support of EIMEA commercial business; plans, obtains and allocates resources required.
• Attendance of manufacturer trial production runs may also be required.
• Leads R&D product renovation or replication projects to support the commercial needs.
• Proactively foster relationships with chemical and component suppliers and identify opportunities for improvements and sources of competitive advantage for the Company.
• Undertakes and reviews the technical assessment of new product concepts, providing insight into technologies, packaging, chemistry, suppliers, manufacturers and patents.
• Creates and maintains sustainable IP either in-house or by effectively supporting and leveraging 3rd party partners.
• Reviews, develops and qualifies formulas, sources and tests packaging, proves product efficacy and claim support and ensures regulatory and R&D mandatory compliance.
• Completes all necessary actions to ensure IP is established and protectable, including proper laboratory notebook maintenance, maintenance of confidentiality, control of information dispersal and access, involvement with R&D leadership, and, as directed, internal and external legal sources.

• Responsible for the management of R&D led research projects…