Innovation Engineering Manager

Description What Matters at Magid? YOU do!"The number one key to growth is having good people and that’s what has driven us at every stage of the game." - Greg Cohen, CEOAt Magid, we’re not just passionate about safety—we’re passionate about people. As an industry leader, we’ve built an innovative and collaborative environment where diversity is celebrated, ideas are valued, and personal and professional growth never stops.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Drive the Research and Development efforts for the Apparel and Accessory category through (1) supporting In-line projects, (2) driving Targeted innovation projects, and (3) managing the Blue-Sky Innovation road to annually meet or exceed targets established by the company.  Success would be demonstrated through increased speed from concept to commercialization.
• Support the development of Intellectual Property of the company through collaboration with Legal Attorney’s and Consultants.
• Leverage Magid’s manufacturing capabilities to develop new material technologies and product concepts.  Success would be measured in an increase in annual development capacity.
• Utilize industry trends and innovations in new product development by driving innovation through research and partnerships in fiber technology, textile engineering, and chemistry
• Develop proprietary fabrics, materials, and products – particularly which allow intellectual property or exclusivity opportunities and enables the expansion and launch of Magid product platforms.  Success would be measured through resolving technical limitations hindering the launch of such products.
• Research polymer, fiber, yarn, engineering solutions, finishing processes, performance, and sustainable chemistry that may enhance existing apparel and accessory products.
• Lead the engineering efforts to build high-quality products and establish standards and specifications for Magid products (i.e.  Raw Materials, Performance Claims).  
• Work with material vendors, product vendors and consultants to understand their capabilities and constraints and translate this information into new product concepts.
• Research new equipment, tools, and processes utilized to execute product designs.  Success would be measured by cost savings/value engineering delivered.
• Support execution of the Apparel Innovation Road Map, including In-Line, Targeted, and Blue-Sky innovation initiatives.
• In partnership with Product Development and Product Strategy teams:o    Conduct Market Research to identify new raw materials and fabrics which relate to the Magid brand and fit within the competitive landscape.o    Attend textile shows, presentations and plan visits with suppliers worldwide to ensure the best-in-class innovation portfolios.o    Travel to customers, study specific safety issues and develop custom solutions
• Demonstrate a high level of influence and cross-functional partnership with Product Management, Sales, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Quality.

• The ability to lead negotiations with suppliers to ensure best quality, service, and cost to achieve business objectives.  Success will be measured by supplier capability and or capacity expansion.
• Partner with Marketing on the development of go-to-market plan for their given products.
• Mentor and guide other team members, providing technical and strategic expertise.
• Manage special apparel and accessory projects from initiation to completion, ensuring objectives are met on time, within scope, and aligned with the goals for the business. Success will be measured through an increase in product sales for the A&A category.
• Lead the entire product development lifecycle for apparel and accessory products including the sourcing, new product development, quality…