Job description

The Director of Research and Development & Quality Assurance is responsible for the strategic and day-to-day performance of the department as it relates to development of new products, improvements of existing products, technical, manufacturing, and sales support testing, as well as research of innovative technologies and market trends having an impact on SOPREMA’s activities and strategic development.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

· Manage the Research & Development teams within the U.S. SOPREMA Group

o Chem Link, Performance Roof Systems, Tropical Roofing Products and future acquisitions.

o Coordinate activities and maintain strong relationships with those of all other SOPREMA groups including R&D teams of Canada and France.

· Manage the Quality Assurance teams within the U.S. SOPREMA Group.

o Chem Link, Performance Roof Systems, Tropical Roofing Products and future acquisitions.

· Plan & prioritize department efforts including.

o Definition and selection of projects, department budget, equipment purchasing, independent testing, etc. in line with selected strategic objectives.

· Build alignment and collaboration with other departments including Product Managers, Marketing, and Technical departments

· Coordinate and support the effort of the Research & Development staff to achieve the local and global objectives of the company, ensuring compliance with Stage Gate program directives

· Cooperate with the other departments to achieve objectives

· Effectively manage multiple key business growth projects simultaneously.

· Provide scientific support to the SOPREMA Group production teams through the availability and dedication of departmental staff.

· Oversee raw material evaluation program and ensure ongoing communication with Procurement collaborators for all sites

· Investigate, analyze, and understand market trends and the competitive landscape.

· Recommend actions to the CEO, Business Development and Product Management teams…

o To influence the market, through participation in industry related organizations such as standards development committees.

· Establish, develop, and maintain supplier and co-manufacturer relationships for new product development

· Propose annual departmental budget and spending.

o Staff expenses, equipment, lab supplies

o Manage department within established budget

· Prepare monthly dashboard of U.S. global R&D project updates

· Prepare monthly business summary for R&D and QA updates

· Provide technical expertise during investigation of acquisition targets

· Contribute departmental input and presentation to Employee Onboarding program

· Manage departmental Non-Disclosure Agreement obligations with SOPREMA General Counsel

· Be involved in departmental hiring process for new employees and promotions

· Participation in U.S. Management Staff team, Strategic Team and Executive Committee

· Projects as assigned by the CEO – U.S. Operations

Minimum Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s Degree or higher, preferably in Chemistry / Chemical Engineering or related discipline

· Minimum of 10 years of experience in a research department or product development group with supervision of scientific staff.

· Experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred.

· Excellent oral and written communication skills.

· Able to plan, manage and prioritize multiple work assignments while achieving high throughput and meeting communicated deadlines.

· Ability to work effectively with all levels of the organization and have a demonstrated orientation to teamwork principles

· Advanced knowledge of project development strategies, e.g., Stage-Gate.

· Willingness to travel up to 20 days per year (domestic and international) including job site visits, conferences, seminars, trade shows, standard development meetings and plant support, as needed.

· Willingness to accept limited evening and weekend work to accomplish project tasks.

Working Conditions and/or Physical Demands:

· Must be able to occasionally lift 25 pounds at times.

· Ability to work in laboratory environment, including related chemicals and equipment.

· Ability to travel both domestic and international as required

· Attendance at offsite events and meetings

· Participation in trials

· Must be able to travel long distances by car and airplane

· Adhere to all PPE requirements when handling materials

Reports to the CEO – U.S. Operations.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 - $175,892.80 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Wadsworth, OH 44281: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: One location

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