Job Title: Senior R&D Manager - Insulfoam
Location: Cartersville, GA
Job Summary:
We are seeking a Senior R&D Manager to join our Insulfoam business division. The ideal candidate will leverage their expertise in the expanded polystyrene (EPS) market, providing technical support to internal and external stakeholders, and serving as a subject matter expert. The role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to define strategic plans and objectives aimed at achieving our business goals.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Offer technical expertise and guidance to support organic growth within the insulation business.
- Collaborate with various functional areas to establish strategic plans for insulating materials and system solutions.
- Provide code compliance expertise for residential, commercial, and geofoam applications.
- Gather customer feedback and guide technicians in product development and troubleshooting.
- Solve a wide range of problems related to product and process development, field issue resolution, manufacturing efficiency, and outsourcing support.
- Act as an industry expert consultant for various stakeholders.
- Host product webinars, seminars, and training classes.
- Support industry organizations such as ASTM, SPRI, EPSIA, and others.
- Contribute to product and process development through design advancements.
- Network internally and externally to identify new opportunities for technical projects.
- Offer operational and supply chain support.
- Lead cross-functional collaboration to ensure smooth product development.
- Develop project schedules, including technical aspects, and present complex information to non-technical audiences.
- Foster new product introductions and oversee the scale-up process.
- Utilize the Phase-Gate process to manage the R&D portfolio and mentor the use of project management tools.
- Engage in laboratory work, including statistical data analysis, prototype fabrication, and root cause investigation.
- Conduct review meetings to align Product and Process Development priorities with functional area management.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the R&D Director.
Required Skills/Abilities/Knowledge:
- Expert-level proficiency in communication and leadership.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Mechanical aptitude and the ability to operate lab equipment.
- Collaborative team player.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Adherence to safe lab practices.
- Leadership by example regarding safe work practices.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in material science, mechanical engineering, chemistry, or chemical engineering; Master's or PhD preferred.
- 5+ years of leadership experience in R&D or Product Management, specifically related to expanded or extruded polystyrene.
- Experience working across functional areas and industries.
- At least 5 years of hands-on experience in a technical role related to expanded or extruded polystyrene.
- 2 years of technical management experience across multiple industries, with a preference for construction materials.
- Proven track record of initiating and managing innovation, design, and project management.
