R&D Manager

ITW; Lakeland (FL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ITW is looking for an experienced R&D Manager in Lakeland, Florida, to drive new product development and oversee the R&D function. This role requires strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of lubricant chemistries, ensuring alignment with business strategies.

The ideal candidate should have over 10 years of experience leading technical teams, along with proven product launch success. The position emphasizes innovative solutions that address customer needs while fostering a collaborative environment. The job also includes physical demands and responsibilities for safety within the work environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years experience leading Technical teams.
• Proven new product launch experience.
• Strong understanding of market trends and technology.

Responsibilities

• Support strategic planning with market analysis and recommendations.
• Manage new technology development and testing.
• Direct research and product development efforts.

Skills

Leadership of technical teams

Innovation and product development

Analytical and decision-making skills

Knowledge of lubricant chemistries

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Job Description

The R&D Manager is a key contributor to the successful development and execution of the Business Unit growth initiatives by having a deep understanding of market trends, assessing emerging technologies and their relevance to ProAP products and services. This role brings best-in-class ideation and innovation techniques that deliver a pipeline of creative, new products that address customer pain points and create a sustained, differentiated portfolio that will fuel profitable growth for the Business Unit.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Business Unit Strategic Planning process to include market technology trends, competitive analysis, claims development and the evaluation and recommendation of business strategies and tactics.
• Supervisory responsibility over R&D including new technology development and testing, qualification, manufacturing scale-up of product formulas, and continuous product differentiation/process improvement.
• Creates a collaborative, learning & accountable culture, working closely with customers, and delivering speed, quality & value consistently.
• Formulation Expertise:
• Ensures the R&D team has a deep understanding of lubricant chemistries and how these can be applied to create new product performance attributes that bring effective solutions to the automotive market.
• Manages product performance testing, qualification/validation & competitive comparisons.
• Coordinates on product development within Car Care division as appropriate.
• New product development, exploring solutions that create a pipeline of differentiated new products.
• Leverages partnership with Marketing Team regarding market knowledge, customer needs, industry trends and advances in technology. Leads team to explore, test, and translate knowledge into tangible solutions.
• Directs research and product development efforts and ensures key milestones, project timelines and approved budgets are met.
• Aligns business case with Leadership team to deliver on KPIs.
• Partner with other ITW divisions, supplier base, universities and other relevant players to help the BU assess opportunities, build capabilities and accelerate pace of innovation.
• Develop strong understanding of ITW 80/20 management process and the Enterprise Strategy to execute on 80/20 initiatives.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position oversees the R&D function.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, MS preferred
• Experience with lubricant materials particularly with oils and industrial fluids used in automotives
• 10+ years experience leading Technical teams
• Proven leader with demonstrated success in fostering a collaborative, accountable and solution-oriented environment
• Must be innovative, flexible, curious and have exhibited success by identifying and successfully translating market ideas into tangible business solutions.
• Must have demonstrated success in understanding and prioritizing speed and urgency based on changing market conditions.
• Proven and successful new product launch experience, including intimate familiarity with innovation funnel, stage-gate process, strong supplier relationships, maintaining ISO standards and effective product lifecycle planning.
• Intellectual curiosity, technical acumen and strong analytical / decision making skills.
• An exhibited dedication to Safety
• Must have a desire to travel as required

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to stand; walk; climb. The employee must occasionally lift, push/pull, and or move up to 65 pounds. The employee must possess the mandatory ability to react and move quickly in case of emergency. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus/accommodate.

Risks: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to the possibility of injury to the hands or feet and collision with moving equipment. The possibility of fire exists. On rare occasion, the employee has the possibility of exposure (once a day) to electrical shock and battery explosion. The employee may also rarely come into contact with toxic / caustic chemicals from damaged product.

Working Conditions: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and machinery. A strong citrus odor is present constantly in the work environment. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. Work is performed inside with moderate amounts of heat, cold and humidity encountered. Inside work can be dirty, with adequate lighting and ventilation. Conditions can include the presence of hazards such as flammable liquids, moving machinery and working around and with others.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.
As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.