Manager, R&D

Laticrete International; Grand Prairie (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k)

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays

Paid vacation and sick time

Job summary

Laticrete International in Grand Prairie, Texas, is seeking a Manager for their Research and Development department. This role involves supervising chemists and scientists, leading product development, and ensuring the team's success in collaboration with other departments. The ideal candidate will have at least 8 years of product development experience and demonstrated leadership skills.

The position offers comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of product development experience.
• 5+ years demonstrated success leading a team.
• Experience in a research and development lab in the construction industry.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and guide teams of Chemists and Scientists.
• Devise and conduct experiments for product development.
• Support Technical Services and Operations in product evaluation.

Skills

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team management

Organizational skills

Education

BS/MS in Chemistry, Material Science, Polymer Science, or relevant Engineering discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Supervise and provide leadership to intra‑department groups of Chemists, Scientists, and Technologists in the Research & Development department. Provide guidance, development, and leadership within the R&D department and in collaboration with other internal functions. The Manager, Research and Development facilitates collaboration of Chemists and Scientists to develop new products and enhance existing products.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned as necessary.

Manage Team (40%)

• Prioritize and allocate work: delegate manageable goals to employees to support company priorities and drive results.
• Clearly define project responsibilities and performance expectations for long‑ and short‑term work plans.
• Set clear priorities for the team and individuals, including appropriate allocation of resources (time, money, and people).
• Provide timely, fair, and measured performance assessments and feedback to foster growth.
• Reward and recognize performance as appropriate.
• Address performance concerns and hold team accountable.
• Build a team culture that upholds organizational values.
• Proactively manage unhealthy conflict and prevent escalation.
• Communicate regular business updates and convey information clearly and timely.
• Listen carefully to the views and opinions of peers and colleagues.

Design, Develop and Validate (25%)

• Devise and conduct experiments to solve complex problems.
• Evaluate and suggest new raw materials through communication with suppliers.
• Review and perform competitive testing and analysis as required.
• Maintain a clean laboratory environment and properly working equipment.
• Ensure instruments that require periodic calibration and validation comply with procedures.
• Comply with laboratory, company, state, and federal safety regulations.

Provide Product Support (20%)

• Maintain a professional attitude with all employees and customers.
• Support Technical Services requests to evaluate field complaints.
• Support Operations in evaluating product inconsistencies and providing disposition.
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams.
• Communicate results within R&D, cross‑functional departments, and Stage Gate Review meetings.
• Help organize and participate in field trials as required.
• Interact with end‑use customers and contractors to understand product usage, limitations, and needs.
• Represent R&D at tradeshows, trade committees, and standardization authorities in the US and abroad.
• Drive cost‑out initiatives to ensure economical production cost relative to expected performance.
• Determine quality control parameters for product testing.

Data Analysis and Documentation (15%)

• Document all work via approved methods and share developments through technical presentations.
• Independently process, analyze, and interpret results and data.
• Summarize ongoing work and findings to colleagues during department meetings.
• Coach scientists and chemists on procedures, training them to be independent performers/formulators.

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Education and Experience: BS/MS in Chemistry, Material Science, Polymer Science, or relevant Engineering discipline; 8+ years product development experience; 5+ years demonstrated success leading a team.
• Specialized Skills and Experience: Formulating products in a research and development lab environment within the construction industry; experience with Production/Operations, Product Management, QC, ISO processes, Analytical Chemistry, Finance, Accounting, and Marketing departments.
• Familiarity with researching patents, writing invention disclosures, and other industry publications.
• Demonstrated analytical ability, well organized, detail‑oriented, and systematic in documenting results.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for presenting and writing reports.
• Ability to organize and present results clearly and concisely.
• Must analyze data independently and apply specialized knowledge (e.g., DOE and statistical methods).
• Self‑starter able to multi‑task.
• Computer skills: Intermediate to Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other specialty software systems as required.
• Physical Requirements: Lift and/or carry a minimum of 50 pounds; push/pull 50 pounds; stand at least 50% of the day; sit at least 50% of the day; may require some domestic travel (<10%).

BENEFITS

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k)
• Tuition reimbursement
• 13 paid holidays in addition to paid vacation and sick time
• Flexible spending
• Life Insurance, AD&D, and Supplemental Insurance