Innovation Group Leader

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Full Time Management Glen Rock, PA, US

7 days ago Requisition

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Reports To:

Director of Innovation

Direct Reports:
Product Development Chemists and Innovation Group Technicians

Job Summary:

Manages a team of chemists/scientists/technicians and executes pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape prototype development, scale‑up, and product launch in various applications. The group leader will focus on platform technology development, new product development for customer‑driven projects, as well as continuous improvement and cost reduction of existing products and processes. Emphasis on acrylic polymer synthesis, silicone and rubber adhesive formulations, PSA rheology, knowledge of tape assemblies, backing material selection, and release liner familiarity.

Works with customers and AR teams to collect design input and develop new product design strategies. Technical and laboratory lead in developing new adhesive solutions, robust products, and basic production processes that can be successfully commercialized.

Essential Functions:

• Establishes and directs research programs for new product development and product/process improvement of current products. Responsible for complex basic research and/or product development projects.
• Leads lab personnel and facilitates development of product constructions and processes; designs & conducts chemical experiments on both lab- and production‑scale; designs and specifies production scale processes and contributes to product validation.
• Conducts and directs required laboratory work to develop new PSA and tape assemblies including polymerization, formulation, coating and testing. Develops new products that lead to sustainable commercial revenue.
• Completes any necessary regulatory forms. Ensures team follows similar protocols and procedures.
• Implements and executes product development to align with Stage Gate timelines and sets prioritization with the Director of Innovation and Product Management team. Meets technical commitments in order to complete project progression dates and milestones on time.
• Drives patent strategy (reading, planning, and execution) within the team to align with goals established by the Director of Innovation.
• Consults with Director of Innovation, Product Management, Operations, Quality and Sales personnel on group priorities and strategy. Active role in setting overall Innovation direction & strategy. Participates in business planning process with one or more business as appropriate. Establishes program priorities, objectives and responsibilities for group. Ensures effective communication of Innovation program progress for own work and for overall group.
• Functions as a technical lead on product development teams. Leads cross‑functional product development teams to ensure effective prototype development, to drive prototypes to commercial products, and to translate findings into impactful business revenue.
• Participates and occasionally leads establishment and implementation of R&D policies and procedures. May be responsible for specified lab areas.
• Interfaces with customers on new product applications and networks externally to assure highest level of competence is maintained.
• Develops skills within the team and evaluates performance of department personnel. Mentors and coaches associates to effectively work in the department in addition to promoting a collaborative work environment (within the department and cross‑functionally). Executes performance reviews annually.
• Makes identifiable and substantial contributions to continuous improvement. Performs all duties consistent with established AR guidelines consistent with ISO‑9001 and those elements of GMP deemed necessary to support our business (as outlined in the Quality Manual). Actively complies with and endorses Department and Company objectives.
• Responsible for the proper disposal of hazardous waste into the proper labeled containers and drums.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Perform other related duties as assigned…