Job Summary
The R&D Manager is a key strategic role responsible for developing, managing, and executing new product development projects. The position will work closely with sales, engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure that the product development plan is aligned with sales strategy and to support smooth transitions to operations for successful product launches. This hands-on position will require direct involvement in testing, prototype development, target costing, timelines, and working with customers on field trials and new product launches. This position will build out the team, processes, and infrastructure required to establish KPS Global as the innovation leader in our industry.
Major Responsibilities
- Manage new product development projects through the Phase-Gate process in coordination with engineering, operations, supply chain, marketing, and sales. Direct responsibility for successful product launches in collaboration with our functional areas
- Manage project timelines and provide updates to internal and customer stakeholders. Presenting product designs to management and stakeholders
- Build and train the team required to ensure that product development launches and timelines sync with business strategic objectives
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key opinion leaders, scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs in both internal and external settings. Identify, understand, and communicate new technologies, products, applications that can be included in our product development plan
- Where feasible, pursue IP protection through patent creation, utilize external patent attorneys, and develop a solid working relationship
- Participate in Voice of Customer meetings to understand customer needs and determine if KPS Global can offer viable solutions
- Work with marketing and external agencies to scope and evaluate market research on new technologies, markets and competitive products. Attend key trade shows to stay current with new product releases and concepts, i.e., foster idea creations
- Redesigning existing products to enhance functionality, reliability, manufacturability, and reduce costs.
- Collaborate with Field Service, Engineering, and Operations to resolve product issues in the field or during manufacturing
- Understand regulatory standards including but not limited to OSHA, DOE, IECC, NSF, and UL, and ensure that product design and manufacturing meet these standards
Required Skills
Required Skills, Experience, Education & Certifications
Items listed are required unless "preferred" is indicated
- A minimum of seven additional years of relevant experience, in research & development, engineering, or product development
- Master's degree or above is preferred
- 5+ years’ experience in administrating phase-gate product development process with proven successes from idea creation through product launch
- Previous experience identifying, evaluating, and executing external relationships and has a good understanding of business needs
- Experience managing and mentoring technical teams
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong social and networking skills
- Creative thinker with a strong ability to “live in the world of ambiguity”.
- Strong team player with a “can do” mentality
- Self-motivated and pro-active
- Solid business analysis / scientific data analysis experience in chemical industry or consulting is desired.
- Preferred – knowledge of refrigeration, insulation theory, and polyurethane systems
Required Experience
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to work in a normal factory environment that is subject to ambient temperature conditions
- Must be able to walk or stand for prolonged periods of time
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
- Must be able to work flexible hours
Travel Requirements