What are the responsibilities and job description for the R&D Manager – Product Development position at Freemont Yardley Search?
Overview
Seeking an experienced and innovative R&D Manager to lead our team of chemists, scientists, and technologists in developing new products and enhancing existing formulations. This role requires a hands-on leader with a strong background in research, product innovation, and cross-functional collaboration.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a team within the R&D department to drive new product development and continuous improvement of existing products.
- Design, execute, and analyze experiments to identify and solve technical challenges.
- Evaluate, recommend, and test raw materials for performance and cost-effectiveness.
- Conduct competitive product testing and benchmarking analysis.
- Ensure laboratory cleanliness, equipment functionality, and safety compliance.
- Provide technical support to Operations and Technical Services teams for product evaluations and field complaint resolutions.
- Communicate project results and progress across R&D teams and other departments, including presentations at Stage Gate reviews.
- Collaborate directly with customers, contractors, and industry partners to ensure product performance meets end-user needs.
- Represent the company at industry trade shows and actively participate in trade committees.
- Identify and propose improvements to enhance production efficiency and reduce costs.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation of all approved work and product data.
- Perform data analyses using appropriate statistical and experimental design methods.
Qualifications
- 8 years of product development experience in an R&D environment.
- 5 years of management or team leadership experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in product formulation and experimental methodology.
- Broad understanding of Production/Operations, Product Management, Quality Control, ISO processes, Analytical Chemistry, Finance, and Marketing integration.
- Prior experience with research projects, patent submissions, invention disclosures, and technical publications.
- Strong analytical and data interpretation skills, including DOE and statistical problem-solving techniques.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 and related analytical tools.
- Ability to travel domestically up to 10% of the time.
- BS/MS in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related Engineering discipline required.