Director of Research & Development

Berlin Gardens; Berlin (OH); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Berlin Gardens, LLC seeks a Director of Research & Development to lead new product development and enhancements from concept through production. This role drives innovation, coordinates with Design, Manufacturing, Sales, and Marketing, and ensures products meet customer needs and company goals.

It provides leadership to the R&D team, focusing on continuous improvement and successful launches. The role emphasizes strategic initiatives, collaboration across departments, and guiding product cost,

Qualifications

• Leadership or supervisory experience.
• Experience in product development, manufacturing, furniture design, or a related industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead product research, design, and development from concept to production.
• Collaborate with Design, Manufacturing, Sales, Marketing and Order Entry to establish specs and production requirements.
• Oversee the product finalization process and ensure documentation is complete.
• Guide R&D team, manage workload, and plan quarterly Design Team meetings.
• Support pricing strategies and identify opportunities for innovation and market expansion.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Strategic planning

Communication

Team leadership

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Industrial Design, Manufacturing, Product Development, or a related field

Tools

CAD software

MS Office

Job description

The Director of Research & Development leads the development and implementation of new products and product improvements at Berlin Gardens. This role oversees the product development process from concept through production, working closely with Design, Manufacturing, Sales, Marketing, and other departments to ensure products align with customer needs, market trends, and company objectives. The position provides leadership to the R&D team while driving innovation, continuous improvement, and successful product launches.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Product Research & Design

• Work with Design Team to identify & research customer needs, market trends, competitive products, and new product opportunities.
• Lead the design and development of new products and enhancements to existing product lines.
• Evaluate product concepts for functionality, manufacturability, quality, and market demand.
• Assist in product costing, production planning, and sales forecasting activities.
• Filter & prioritize new product ideas and concepts to initiate development phase for CAD drawers
• Manage the product development calendar and ensure key milestones are achieved on schedule.
• Oversee the product finalization process to ensure products are fully developed and ready for production.
• Maintain and complete product finalization documentation, including checklists and supporting records.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing and Order Entry teams to establish part numbers, routers, specifications, and production requirements.
• Ensure new products are effectively transitioned from development into manufacturing. This includes details such as creating SOP's on how new products are packaged to meeting with production supervisors to go over details of new product lines.
• Evaluate testing needed for any new products.

Manufacturing & Craftsmanship Expertise

• Maintain a strong understanding of furniture manufacturing processes and best practices.
• Understand the capabilities and limitations of poly lumber and related materials used in product development.
• Evaluate product designs for production efficiency, quality standards, and long-term durability.
• Support continuous improvement efforts related to product design and manufacturing methods.

Leadership & Team Management

• Provide leadership, guidance, and direction to R&D team members.
• Manage workload distribution to ensure projects are prioritized appropriately and completed efficiently.
• Coordinate team schedules and time-off requests to maintain department productivity.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and results-oriented work environment.
• Develop team members through coaching, training, and performance feedback.
• Plan and lead quarterly planning meetings for the Design Team
• Work cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Sales, Marketing, Order Entry, and other departments to achieve company goals.
• Lead and participate in R&D-related meetings and project reviews.
• Communicate project updates, product recommendations, and development progress to leadership.
• Organize and lead semi-annual new product prototype reviews with the sales team.

Strategic Initiatives

• Assist with overall product pricing strategies and recommendations.
• Support future research and development initiatives for additional product categories, including plastics, cabinets, and other emerging opportunities.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, product improvement, and market expansion.
• Evaluate performance of new product releases through Key Performance Indicators

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Industrial Design, Manufacturing, Product Development, or a related field preferred but not required.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience.
• Experience in product development, manufacturing, furniture design, or a related industry preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong understanding of manufacturing and product development processes.
• Strong organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Effective leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to travel periodically for furniture shows and industry events.
• Strong personal integrity and commitment to the company's vision, mission, and values.