Director, R&D Job

Newell Rubbermaid is a global marketer of consumer and commercial products that touch the lives of people where they live, work and play. We are committed to building consumer and commercial Brands That Matter TM while leveraging the benefits of being one company: shared expertise, operating efficiencies, and a culture of innovation. Our globally recognized brands include Sharpie, Paper Mate, DYMO, EXPO, Waterman, Parker, Rolodex, IRWIN, LENOX, BernzOmatic, Rubbermaid, Graco, Calphalon, Goody, and Teutonia.

This is a job summary which includes essential job duties of the position. More specific information regarding duties may be provided upon request for particular locations and facilities.

Description

Newell Rubbermaid is a global marketer of consumer and commercial products that touch the lives of people where they live, work and play. We are committed to building consumer and commercial Brands That Matter TM while leveraging the benefits of being one company: shared expertise, operating efficiencies, and a culture of innovation. Our globally recognized brands include Sharpie, Paper Mate, DYMO, EXPO, Waterman, Parker, Rolodex, IRWIN, LENOX, BernzOmatic, Rubbermaid, Graco, Calphalon, Goody, and Teutonia.

This is a job summary which includes essential job duties of the position. More specific information regarding duties may be provided upon request for particular locations and facilities.

General Function :

This position is responsible for leading a team engineers on new product development (NPD) and sustaining product engineering for key product category within the Décor Global Business Unit (GBU) which includes the Levolor, Kirsch and Amerock brands. Primary responsibilities include technical oversight of design and development of new products via New Product Development Stage-Gate process. Manage project managers, design engineers, product engineers and prototype/test engineers/technicians as the key driver of sales and profitability growth through 30 NPD projects annually. The position reports to the Vice President of R&D.

Duties and Responsibilities :

· Management of Technical Development Staff: Responsible for managing a team of 12 people including project managers, design engineers, materials engineers and test/prototype engineers/technicians to deliver key new product development projects. Identify critical skills and abilities required and hire, develop, and conduct performance ratings for staff. Provide team development through mentoring, coaching, and constructive feedback to direct reports. Prepare annual budget and manage/track spending.

· Management of Project Management: Aggressively drive projects to achieve time, cost, capital, and performance deliverables. Lead planning and coordination of new product development projects and activities as part of cross-function development team. Implement new products from tool shake-out/qualification through first production run (launch). Manage timeline, project expense and capital budgets, and risk mitigation plan. Lead development of manufacturing both domestic internal plants and Asian supply partners. Lead regular project and monthly Product Development Review (PDR) meetings for product category.

· Management of Product (Design/Materials) Engineering: Responsible for leadership on optimizing product design for mechanical function (e.g., fit, function, interference, stacking, etc), manufacturability, packaging and material handling; product specification (CAD, 2D drawings with critical dimensions, material specification, color specification, quality specifications, and performance specification/test plan); conducting and interpreting finite element analysis; developing and evaluating cost analysis for new and modified product designs through production launch; and developing CAD standards and capabilities as well as product specification documentation.

· Management of Prototype/Product Test Lab: Responsible for managing the creation of product prototypes and product testing (defining test methods and procedures; conducting tests; and reporting results) for internal evaluation and consumer research.

· New Product Development Process Improvement: Responsible for improvements to Newell Rubbermaid's Consumer Driven Innovation (CDI), stage gate product development process. Track performance and drive improvements on key development metrics; speed to market, net sales $ per project, % projects meeting objectives on time, sales, and profitability. Drive continuous process improvements.

· Management of Product Maintenance : Responsible for technical support to operations and outside vendors in solving product quality problems with existing products.

· Innovation : Drive innovation with leading edge product/process technologies to create patentable products with sustainable competitive advantages. Work with Legal resources to coordinate activities and strategies as well as screening and evaluating competitive patents. Champion ideation for product category based on consumer insights.

· Strategic Planning : The role will work with the Director of Marketing to build detailed forward looking product plans and lead their team in the execution of those to specific financial and quality goals.

· Cross Functional Interaction : The role has direct responsibilities for the technical interface and collaboration with cross functional leaders in Advanced R&D, Industrial Design, Packaging Design, Marketing, Sales, Sourcing, Operations and Finance. Required to work cooperatively with peers to drive future product plans, and manage resource requirements.

· Bachelor's or Masters degree in engineering or science.

· Minimum of 12 years of product development leadership and project management experience in a stage-gate product development environment with evidence of successful product launches.

· Demonstrated experience in managing a large number of projects through a team of direct reports in a cross functional environment. Organizational skills, aggressive drive for performance, and extremely high levels of personal accountability are required.

· Fundamental knowledge of metal, wood and/or woven materials, processing, fabricating is strongly desired.

· Working knowledge of Pro Engineer (Wildfire 3.0), finite element analysis and SAP is strongly desired.

· Evidence of strong problem solving skills including identify problems, potential problems, and developing solutions.

· Proven track record of creativity and innovation.

· Excellent communication, interpersonal, writing, planning, and presentation skills and demonstrated the ability to lead by direct control and influence for positive business outcomes.

· Experience in working with Asian suppliers/partners on new product development is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Bachelor's or Masters degree in Mechanical or Materials engineering.

· MBA

· Consumer Products Industry experience.

Flexibility to travel with business needs to work with domestic and international partners.

Newell Rubbermaid and its Business Units are Equal Opportunity Employers and comply with applicable employment laws. M/F/D/V are encouraged to apply.

Nearest Major Market: Atlanta
Job Segments: Management, Manager