VP, Research and Development

OVERVIEW

As the Vice President of Research & Development, you will lead the R&D strategy and execution for Shark’s Home Environment and Non-Robotic Floorcare categories, ensuring strong alignment to business priorities and delivery of high-quality, innovative products.

You will be responsible for translating company and category strategy into a focused R&D and technology roadmap, driving execution across programs and ensuring delivery of 5-star products that meet performance, cost, and timeline expectations.

You will play a key leadership role within Engineering, partnering closely with Category, Design, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to ensure alignment, prioritization, and successful product delivery. You will also lead and develop a high-performing global R&D organization, building strong technical capability and leadership depth within your teams.

• Lead the R&D strategy and execution for Home Environment and Non-Robotic Floorcare, aligned to company and category priorities
• Translate strategic direction into actionable R&D roadmaps and deliverables
• Drive strong execution across programs, ensuring alignment to business goals

• Oversee the R&D portfolio, ensuring appropriate prioritization, resourcing, and delivery
• Drive execution discipline across programs to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality and performance targets
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on priorities, timelines, and deliverables

• Lead research efforts to identify and apply emerging technologies, materials, and system capabilities
• Drive innovation that enhances product performance, cost efficiency, and scalability
• Support evaluation of external technologies and partnerships to strengthen capabilities

• Partner with Advanced Development, Product Management, Design, Marketing, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless execution from concept through commercialization
• Ensure R&D priorities are aligned with product, commercial, and manufacturing requirements

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing R&D organization
• Drive accountability, collaboration, and a strong execution mindset across teams
• Support development of future leaders and strengthen technical capabilities within the function

• Identify and manage technical and execution risks across programs
• Provide clear and consistent updates to senior leadership on progress, risks, and key decisions
• Support data-driven decision-making through strong analysis and insights

• 15+ years of experience in Engineering/R&D, with leadership responsibility for complex programs or teams
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and delivering consumer products from concept through commercialization
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or related field
• Strong ability to translate strategy into execution and drive results in a fast-paced environment
• Effective communicator with the ability to influence cross-functional partners and senior stakeholders
• Strong consumer mindset with the ability to connect product decisions to user needs and business outcomes
• Analytical and data-driven, with the ability to support prioritization and decision-making
• Experience with performance-driven systems (e.g., airflow, motors, or similar) preferred
• Action-oriented, hands‑on leader with strong problem‑solving skills

• Strong execution across R&D programs, delivering high-quality products on time and within budget
• Clear alignment across Engineering, Design, and Product teams
• Well-prioritized portfolio focused on highest-impact initiatives
• A capable, engaged R&D team with growing leadership strength
• Consistent delivery of products that meet consumer expectations and business goals

The annual salary range for this position is displayed below. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience and other…