Manager, R&D

Classification:

Salary

Job Description:

Are you looking for a new challenge? Passionate about innovation? Want to work for a global company that values integrity, teamwork, and loyalty?

At LATICRETE International, we aim to be the leading construction brand trusted globally for high-performance tile and stone installation systems and building finishing solutions. We’ve been in business for over 65 years, family-owned for three generations, and can be found in over 100 countries. The Hartford Business Journal even named us one of Connecticut’s top family-owned companies in 2017!

We don't just make innovative, industry-leading products. Our purpose is to improve the built world and the lives of those who build it. We strive to connect with, engage with and improve the lives of our employees, our customers, our partners, and the global communities in which we operate.

We are seeking passionate and ambitious employees who want to make a difference not just within our organization, but within their communities, our industry, and the world. If that sounds like you, then what are you waiting for? Join the family and expand your horizons!

Just some of our benefits:

• Medical

• Dental

• Vision

• 401k

• Tuition reimbursement

• 13 paid holidays in addition to paid vacation and sick time

• Flexible spending

• Life Insurance, AD&D and Supplemental Insurance

POSITION SUMMARY

Supervise and provide leadership to intra-department groups of Chemists/Scientists/Technologists in the Research & Development department. Provide guidance, development, and leadership to the R&D department and with other internal company functions. The Manager, Research and Development facilitates the collaboration of Chemists/Scientists to develop new products as well as the enhancement of existing products.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned, as necessary.

Manage Team (40%)

• Prioritize and allocate work: Delegate and allocate manageable goals to employees to support company priorities and drive results. Clearly define to team-members project responsibilities and performance expectations for long- and short-term work plans. Set clear priorities for team and individuals, including appropriate allocation of resources (time, money and people).

• Assess and Reward Performance: Provide team with timely, fair and measured performance assessments and feedback to foster growth. Provide reward and recognition for performance as appropriate. Address performance concerns and hold team accountable.

• Build Team Culture: Consistently hold employees accountable for upholding the organizations values. Proactively manage unhealthy conflict among employees and take steps to prevent escalation. Foster an open environment where employees feel able to provide constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement.

• Communicate and Motivate: Communicate regular business updates. Convey information in a clear and timely manner. Listen carefully to the views and opinions of peers and colleagues.

Design, Develop and Validate - (25%)

• Devise and conduct experiments to solve increasingly complex problems.

• Evaluate and suggest new raw materials through regular communication with raw material suppliers.

• Review and perform competitive testing and analysis as required.

• Maintain a clean working laboratory environment as well as properly working equipment. Ensure that all instruments that required periodic calibration and validation requirements do so per laboratory calibration/validation procedures.

• Comply with all laboratory, company, State and Federal safety regulations.

Provide Product Support - (20%)

• Maintain cooperative, professional attitude with all LATICRETE employees and customers.

• Support Technical Services requests to evaluate field complaints in specific area.

• Support Operations in evaluating product inconsistencies & providing disposition

• Participate in multi-disciplinary team s.

• Communicate results within R&D, cross-functional departments and Stage Gate Review meetings.

• Help organize and participate in field trials as required.

• Interact with end-use customers and contractors to understand product usage, limitations, and needs.

• Represent R&D at Tradeshows, Trade committees, Standardization authorities in US and around the world.

• Drive Cost Out Initiatives to ensure most economical production cost with respect to the expected performance of the product. Determine Quality Control parameters for product testing.

Data Analysis and Documentation - (15%)

• Responsible for documenting all work via approved methods and sharing developments via occasional technical presentations.

• Independently process, analyze, and interpret results and data in specific area.

• Summarize ongoing work and findings to colleagues during department meetings.

• Coach the scientists and Chemists on procedures, train them to be independent performers/formulators.

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

• BS/MS in Chemistry, Material Science, Polymer Science or relevant Engineering discipline is required.

• 8+ years of product development experience.

• 5+ year demonstrated success leading team.

Specialized Skills and Experience:

• Experience formulating products in a research and development lab environment in a specific area of the construction industry.

• Experience with Production/Operations, Product Management, QC, ISO processes, Analytical Chemistry, Product Development, Finance, Accounting and Marketing departments.

• Must be familiar with the process of researching patents, writing invention disclosures, and other publications within the industry.

• Demonstrated analytical ability in specific area, well organized, detail oriented, and systematic in documenting results.

• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills in order to present and write reports.

• Ability to organize and present results in a clear concise manner.

• Must be able to analyze data independently and apply some specialized knowledge (e.g. DOE and statistical methods to solve problems).

• Must be a self-starter and able to multi-task.

• Computer skills: Intermediate to Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook and other specialty software systems as required.

Physical Requirements:

• Lift: Must be able to lift and/or carry a minimum of 50 pounds. 

• Push/Pull: Must be able to push/pull 50 pounds.

• Standing: Must be able to stand at least 50% of the day.

• Sitting: Must be able to sit at least 50% of the day.

Travel:

• May require some domestic travel as needed <10%.