R&D Manager

Research and Development Manager

Responsible for research, planning, and implementing new programs and protocols into our company. You will also be required to oversee the entire development process of new products and programs within the organization. Your active participation will be required from the initial planning phase to implementation or production. Additionally, you are required to keep track of all the costs related to the creation of these new products and decide what ideas are worth pursuing.

You should also stay informed on what is happening in the research and development field at large to make sure the company is up-to-date and current with the most advanced R&D developments.

Manage and direct R&D activities concerned with development, application, and maintenance of all product lines associated with Knowlton.

The Research and Development Manager will select, coach and retain qualified staff that contribute to division and company goals. They ensure the highest quality performance through feedback, training and development of their personnel. The Research and Development is responsible for the alignment of the strategic direction of the group with that of the division and the results delivered by the group.

They will champion and drive project execution, critical thinking and innovation speed on the groups deliverables.

• Maintain an effective safety and wellness culture including driving auditing, training and general awareness. Lead by example through active participation in department Health, Safety, Environment, and Security (HSES) programs.
• Coach and develop direct reports by (a) ensuring each direct report understands their alignment with the business and their impact on short and long term financial success; (b) utilizing the performance management process; (c) expect and reward exceptional performance; and (d) utilizing the disciplinary process when appropriate.
• Know their direct reports' strengths, development needs and career interests.
• Institutionalize critical thinking, partner engagement and project execution.
• Understand the technology, business and asset strategies, and create and implement a vision for the group to support it.
• Prioritize group's work accordingly.
• Lead the establishment of effective cross-functional, inter-group, and inter-divisional relationships
• Attract, engage, develop and retain the talent needed to provide people capable of implementing current and future programs.
• Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the research & development department, including financial responsibilities.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable regulatory laws. Responsibilities include training of subordinate employees, planning, assigning and directing work, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems.

The Research and Development Manager will have to use creative abilities and research methods to improve existing products based on industry trends and develop new products to meet the needs of the company's target market. You are expected to report on any technical product issues that are discovered during evaluation and manage product testing and trials, assessing the materials used, the efficiency of the process, and the effectiveness of the final product.

• Lead key projects with R&D to support business goals.
• Develop research programs incorporating current developments to improve existing products and study the potential of new products.
• Understand customer expectations on to-be manufactured products.
• Determine and execute improved technologies used by suppliers, competitors, and customers.
• Establish project goals and priorities by collaborating with Sales/ Marketing and Operations.
• Transfer new technologies, products, and manufacturing processes into and out of the company.
• Research, design and evaluate materials, assemblies, processes, and equipment.
• Document all phases of research and development.
• Manage customer relationships and perform reviews, customer visits, and product testing.
• Establish and maintain testing procedures for assessing raw materials, in-process and finished products.
• Oversee complex research projects, analyze results, and provide recommendations based on findings.
• Assess the scope of research projects and ensure they are on time and within budget.
• Be present at industry conferences on research topics of interest.
• Overseeing safe, environmentally responsive, and efficient use and maintenance of the Pilot Machine.
• Maintain SDS files via the network.

Aid in the implementation and continuous improvement of Quality Standards pertaining to the R&D Department.

• Working with the Quality Assurance Manager or designee, assist in the direction and implementation of Quality Standards.
• Direct subordinates in the maintenance of production performance to meet customer specs.
• Ensure quality production by continually monitoring finished goods in…