POSITION PURPOSE 

The primary role of the Research & Development Manager, Materials Engineering, is to actively lead a team in support of our product development process and pipeline focused on materials science and nonwovens.  She/He will work closely with PDI colleagues to lead and be responsible for individuals and R&D projects related to materials engineering, nonwovens, and development as well as technology transfer and commercialization within this discipline.  As a leader in R&D you will be expected to work in partnership with cross functional team members to ensure critical milestones are completed and deliverables met in support of product identification, development, and implementation.  The Manager, Research & Development Materials Engineering, will interact with Project Management as well as other cross-functional team members from across the organization, ensuring strong connectivity, providing leadership and technical guidance.  Finally, She/He will foster and develop a team of direct reports to exceed the expectations on core competencies, bench strength, and customer connectivity.

In addition, you will be developing new capabilities and external partnership that enhance PDI’s scientific acumen to provide a competitive edge across PDIs business units. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

Responsibilities include leading the design, development and execution of R&D programs supporting PDI’s Materials engineering function on new product development, overall research and development, supplier qualification and commercialization of nonwovens, nonwovens raw materials process, and compatibility which delivers new and next generation products focused on customer insights and in line with business strategy.  She/he will excel in the leadership, development and implementation of an organizational structure that supports successful delivery of innovation and collaborates with marketing to produce high quality products that satisfy customer and business needs.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Leads a high performing technical team of associates
• Provides oversight and direction for individuals and teams responsible for: creating and executing R&D programs and initiatives
• Provide leadership and management capacity in identifying and leveraging external suppliers and innovation partners to advance PDI’s materials and nonwoven technology and applications
• Provides leadership and oversight on technical support as well as direction to activities for R&D projects, initiatives, and compliance.
• Direct knowledge and experience in EPA, FPLA, FDA, GMP, GDP, and OTC processes and maintenance.
• Drive for in-depth knowledge and capabilities in materials engineering and nonwovens development, product development, process development, and supporting GMP supply plans; developing and documenting the data needed for regulatory filings; and managing projects/products maintenance.
• Leads, develops, and provides input to program strategies, budgets, timelines, and project/product development plans. Ensures that technical and business requirements are managed and met.
• Acts as subject matter expert for research and development in support of regulatory, quality, and customer relations.
• Participates and supports in due diligence assessments and may serve as the department’s direct interface with external partners, with responsibility for risk assessment, financial and strategic planning, and project guidance responsibilities to protect the Company’s interests and resource investments.
• Leads the benchmarking of nonwovens products (competitive and internal)
• Leads the development and commercialize new nonwovens and test methods with a focus on product categories and hybrid materials
• Effectively communicate with and motivate the matrix of resources within and outside of the R&D team required to advance initiatives successfully through the new product development process.
• Builds and maintains strong working relationships with relevant internal and external partner groups (including Microbiology, Analytical Chemistry, Marketing, Manufacturing Operations, Regulatory, Clinical Affairs, and Quality, as well as external testing partners), ensuring that activities are managed collaboratively, efficiently, and effectively with direction from senior leadership
• Resolves project / functional conflicts and identifies and negotiate cross functional tradeoffs
• Acts as an internal and external Product Champion
• Leadership and Management
  • Reinforces PDI’s culture and values and drives change to increase alignment across the business.
  • Identifies departmental needs and assists with recruits/hires/promotes personnel as appropriate.
  • Develops staff through coaching, training, career pathing and development.
  • Builds high performance teams.
  • Guides team in successful and efficient execution of department/area goals and continued strategic capability development/improvement.
  • Manages a group of 3+ direct reports.
• Project and Portfolio Management
  • Operates effectively in a multi-tasking, cross-functional environment.
  • Develops appropriately proactive resource plans and utilizes staff and other resources effectively to meet business needs. Uses appropriate tools to regularly review, measure, modify, and adjust plans and to monitor the efficiency, effectiveness, and balance of resources and budget according to evolving needs and environment.
  • Guides internal/external debate and discussions at high levels and focuses constituents on resolution around strategic and tactical decision making.
  • Models’ good decision-making practices and assesses and rewards behaviors consistent with good decision-making practices.
  • Displays strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
• People Management
  • Provides constructive and timely feedback and coaching to enhance personnel and team performance
  • Coaches employees on long term career development and leadership capabilities and competencies
  • Guides the reallocation of roles and responsibilities across team members to facilitate both goal achievement, prioritization, and personal development and growth.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

• Meet key PDI business targets and strategy supporting projects, products, and initiatives projected to contribute revenue and profit growth.
• Support, recruit, develop and retain an effective team, act as a role model and change agent for the R&D organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

The Research & Development Manager will have demonstrated the following core competencies:

• Business & organization leadership
• People management & development
• Business planning & monitoring
• Technical management
• Innovation & creativity
• Negation & influence
• Project management
• Business & financial acumen
• Customer insight gathering

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

• Minimum BS degree in Chemistry, Engineering, or related scientific discipline required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE:

• New Product development and leadership in a regulated environment.
• Fundamental understanding of nonwovens, nonwovens manufacturing processes and the supply chain.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• 8+ years of relevant experience in nonwovens and material science as it relates to product development and R&D support, with a demonstrated track record of scientific and leadership responsibilities.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Previous experience relating to Wipes / Nonwovens required
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and project management skills to collaborate on and direct the work of others on assigned projects (including both internal teams and external collaborators).
• Sound knowledge of related aspects of research, development, and commercialization processes.
• Established knowledge of applicable product development regulatory standards
• Has a mastery of the scientific/technical concepts and techniques, applies and furthers those concepts and techniques to resolve scientific/technical issues efficiently and effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Capable of influencing opinion and sharing technical information and best practices through effective presentations to internal and external audiences.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Approximately 10% Lab and 90% office environment