R&D Manager - Consumer Products

Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions; Aurora (IL); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as an R&D Manager where you'll lead innovative projects in consumer products and textiles. This role is pivotal in transforming consumer insights into groundbreaking products, managing all aspects of product development from design to market launch. Collaborate with a global marketing team and contribute to a diverse range of projects that enhance cleaning solutions. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, this position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of household cleaning products. If you are passionate about creating impactful solutions and thrive in a multicultural environment, this is the perfect role for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Annual paid time off (17 days PTO + 3 sick/personal days + 12 holidays)

Volunteer Time Off (VTO)

Company-sponsored social events

Access to Learning Management System (LMS)

Referral Bonus

Work-life balance initiatives

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in product development, preferably in FMCG.
• Strong knowledge of textiles and chemistry, with a focus on sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Manage R&D projects from ideation to market implementation.
• Support product testing and development in collaboration with lab technicians.

Skills

Project Management

Analytical Skills

Creative Thinking

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Textiles

Bachelor of Engineering in Chemistry

Tools

Product Development Tools

Testing Methods

Job description

R&D Manager - Consumer Products / Textiles

The R&D Manager leads the innovation process and pipeline for all products within the Quick Cleaning product portfolio. In this Global function, the role executes significant and radical Innovation projects together with the Global Marketing team, executing all R&D related tasks resulting in the launch of breakthrough retail products.

Responsibilities

• Manage R&D projects from ideation to market implementation in a multifunctional project team involving internal and external partners.
• Responsible for all Product Development activities: design, prototyping, design for manufacturability, testing methods for product validation, timing and costs.
• Artfully connect consumer experiences and desires to unique technical concepts to bring actionable features and benefits to life.
• Translate winning consumer concepts into technical product executions by identifying possible IP protection.
• Manage and support an existing product portfolio related to quality, regulatory compliance, cost saving, supply chain and production initiatives.
• Support all R&D initiatives in the area of floor cleaning as well as all necessary starting materials in the area of textiles.
• Align with and update the Global R&D Director on resources, key project milestones and budget.
• Plan and coordinate product testing to do technical claim support, benchmark and competitor analysis.
• Work in close contact with Lab Technicians for product development testing and analysis in terms of performance and durability; develop new test methods as needed.
• Scout new product and technology trends and infuse them into the Innovation Process.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering in Textiles or Chemistry; or equivalent job experience in Textiles/Chemistry.
• 5+ years of experience preferred. Proven experience in product development, preferably in globally operating FMCG companies.
• Experience with household cleaning products strongly preferred (must have experience with consumer products).
• Textile/Chemistry knowledge, including manufacturing methods and assembly methods, with an emphasis on sustainable materials.
• Experience in project management with a track record of successful projects.
• Ability to analyze patents and to evaluate potential for own IP.
• Creative and open mind, strong in analytical and strategic thinking, able to analyze and translate customer needs into innovations and new products.
• Likes to work in an international/multi-cultural and multifunctional team.
• Ability to work in a self-motivated way and to manage complex tasks effectively.
• Good communication skills. Able to communicate technical facts effectively to interdisciplinary project teams, to external parties, and to present them to top management. Fluent in written and verbal English.
• Ability to travel approximately 15% (including global).

Company Introduction

Freudenberg Household Products (FHP) is the consumer products and professional cleaning product division of the Freudenberg Group – a multi-billion dollar, multi-national, privately held organization headquartered in Germany. The Freudenberg Group employs some 50,000 people in 60 countries worldwide and generates sales of over 10 billion euros. Freudenberg has businesses in the automotive, medical device, battery and fuel cell division and focuses on continuously developing new technology in every sector.

In some parts of the world, our division is known as Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions (FHCS) and has individual operating companies in many countries, employing more than 3,200 people and hosting a distribution network in 35 countries. Our vision, making our world cleaner, includes a mission of providing superior home and cleaning products that are built to last for consumer households and professional cleaners.

O-Cedar is the well-established brand of FHCS in the United States. The products have more than 115 years of history in the US market and O-Cedar is the number one brand in the durable floor cleaning category in the US. O-Cedar products can be found in many retailers such as Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Costco and Amazon. In Canada, the brand is known as Vileda. It is the strength of our leading brands such as Vileda and O-Cedar that we continuously reinvent our solutions to make the consumers’ lives easier.

Vileda Professional team develops and manufactures leading edge cleaning solutions for professional users in various application areas, such as Healthcare, Controlled Environment, and General Building Cleaning. With over 50 years in the business, we know what needs professional users in different environments have. We offer solutions that help them to clean faster, more effectively, and at lower total costs. Based on sustainability principles, innovation in cleaning has always been a main focus in the daily work of Vileda Professional.

2025 Benefit Summary for US Office/Remote/Production Salaried Employees

At Freudenberg, we believe that our employees are our greatest asset. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional growth. From competitive salaries and health insurance to professional development opportunities and work-life balance initiatives, we are committed to providing a rewarding and supportive work environment. Join us and be part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your future.

Health and Wellness:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for FTE (30+ hours/week) through Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), offering multiple plan options to fit your needs.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care, and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for high deductible plan.
• Short & long-term disability; basic life & AD&D.
• MDLIVE: 24/7, on-demand, virtual visits with a board-certified doctor or nurse practitioner for minor illnesses, as well as board-certified psychiatrists, psychologists, and other licensed clinicians.
• Health Advocate: assistance with enrollment questions, complex conditions, find specialists, address eldercare issues, clarify insurance coverage, work on claim denials, and help negotiate fees for non-covered services.
• Competitive salary and annual variable bonuses.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match at 100% of the first 3% you contribute, and 50% of the next 2%. You are always 100% vested in all contributions to the plan!
• Referral Bonus of $2,500 for Salaried/Office positions & $750 for Hourly positions.

Work-Life Balance:

• For applicable non-production positions, we offer hybrid work (2 days/week remote) & provide a one-time $300 stipend to enhance your remote work capabilities. While in the office, the dress code is business casual.
• Annual paid time off includes 17 days PTO + 3 sick/personal days + 12 holidays.
• 8 hours VTO (Volunteer Time Off), in addition to company sponsored volunteer opportunities.
• 2 weeks parental leave (new parents within 6 months of the birth or adoption of a child, after 2 months of employment).
• Finished your 40 hours? At 2:00 on Friday, leave for the weekend!

Professional Development:

• Tuition reimbursement (up to $5,250/annual) and continuing education opportunities.
• Access to LMS (Learning Management System) that includes LinkedIn Learning.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): call 24/7 for confidential assistance with nearly any personal matter you may be experiencing (examples include money, legal services, identity theft recovery, health, family, and work). You and your family have access to six free consultations with a licensed clinician per issue per calendar year.
• BenefitHub: save on thousands of items through an easy-to-use, exclusive discount marketplace that includes discounts on travel, hotels, restaurants, car rentals, your favorite local establishments and much more!
• Company-sponsored social events.

The Freudenberg Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. #LI-MN