Innovation Manager

SHAKESPEARE COMPANY LLC, a Jadex Inc. company, is a US-based manufacturer of both industrial and consumer products for a wide variety of industries and applications.

Shakespeare® industrial products are tailored to the customer’s unique needs and include custom engineered nylon resins, performance monofilaments, and conductive fibers used as raw materials in finished goods ranging from automotive components to medical applications. The company operates under the Shakespeare®, Rino-Tuff®, and Weed Warrior® brands in the lawn & garden category and is a major player in the mass merchant channel as the primary universal fit solution for trimmer line, heads, and accessories. The brand is known worldwide within the marine electronics industry for marine radio antennas with a portfolio of connectivity solutions and accessories to help keep boaters connected and safe. Maintaining communications is of utmost importance to military forces across the world and Shakespeare®’s line of military antenna products plays a critical role in achieving mission success.

Administration - Innovation Manager

Position Summary
The Innovation Manager’s primary responsibility is to lead a team to develop new or modified products to meet customers’ requirements within existing or new capabilities. The development process is managed from the initial customer request through final product transition to manufacturing. Consideration is given to product performance and cost enhancements which drive the businesses growth and profitability. This position also provides technical service and advice to Sales, Manufacturing, & Customers.

Essential Functions

• Foster a culture of safety, quality, and innovation within the R&D team
• Manage development project costs, allocate resources, and define stage gate milestones to meet timelines through commercialization of product
• Conduct regular new product audits and inspections to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations
• High level of competency in statistical data analysis (statistical process control, analysis of process & product stability & capability)
• Support the development of intellectual property when appropriate
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to align project goals and objectives
• Assist in the annual budgeting cycle for the R&D department and product management
• Provide expert technical support to internal departments and external customers

Secondary Functions

• Participate in safety leadership meetings
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in polymer and fiber science and technology
• Promote professional development and continuous learning within the team
• Encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members
• Assist in evaluation of hygiene requirements associated with new materials

Position Specifications

• 7 years experience in managing a development department for polymer or extrusion processing
• BS in Chemical or Materials Engineering
• Downstream knowledge of compounding, film manufacturing, or fiber extrusion is a plus
• Ability to travel up to 30% (some overnight)
• Excellent organizational & documentation skills
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft’s Office Suite

The above statements describe the general nature and level of responsibilities for this position, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position. Company management may assign other relevant, business-related duties.

Jadex Inc and its Businesses do not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.