Research & Development Project Manager

AFM - Association Française du Marketing; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Project Manager to lead product development in the commercial laundry sector. This role involves providing technical guidance, developing new formulations, and ensuring product quality while collaborating with various teams and external partners. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in chemistry and experience in textile formulation. Join a dynamic team that values innovation and environmental responsibility, and make a significant impact in delivering high-quality products that meet customer needs. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking organization focused on sustainability and excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field required.
• 3+ years of experience in laundry/textile formulation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance and support for product development.
• Develop and execute test protocols for technical issues.
• Maintain contact with suppliers to access new technologies.

Skills

Verbal Communication

Written Communication

Teamwork

Problem-Solving

Decision-Making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry

Advanced degree in related sciences

Tools

Laboratory Equipment

Safety Equipment

Job description

Founded in Japan in 1887, Kao is passionate about making a difference in people's lives with our high quality products and services to create a Kirei Life for all - a beautiful life that respects the needs of our consumers and customers as well as the planet. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment.

As a company driven by purpose and strong corporate values, we pride ourselves on being listed among the World's Most Ethical Companies for 16 consecutive years. Our corporate philosophy, the Kao Way, guides us in everything we do - acting with integrity, courageously driving innovation, and treating each other with trust and respect.

Washing Systems, LLC (WSI), now part of the Kao family of companies, is the largest supplier of laundry chemicals to the commercial laundry industry in North America. WSI provides high quality chemical products for both uniform and linen rental companies. Reporting to the Vice President of Technical Services, the Project Manager is responsible for developing new products for all markets and business segments of WSI, as well as enacting improvements on existing products and ensuring finished product quality; working closely with other functions within WSI and external partners to identify new technologies and deliver superior products that satisfy WSI's existing and new customers while meeting safety and regulatory requirements.

Science-based. Performance-focused. WSI is the leading provider of innovative products and services to the commercial laundry processing industry. Driven by comprehensive technological innovations, WSI delivers powerful advancements in the cleaning, processing, and disinfection of textiles. Culturally progressive, WSI consistently maximizes plant efficiencies while increasing productivity and reducing the environmental footprint for our manufacturing sites and customer sites. While serving North America and Europe, WSI’s global headquarters reside in Ohio. Additional offices are located across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Please visit our website for more information: www.washingsystems.com.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

1. Provide technical guidance, formulation development, and application problem solving to assist in the growth of existing product line and customer base.
2. Provide technical support in the field as needed.
3. Develop and execute test protocols in support of technical issues and project tasks.
4. Execute assigned quarterly project tasks in a timely manner.
5. Provide technically sound written and verbal support to the field and customers on technical issues and evaluations performed.
6. Develop and maintain contact with key suppliers/vendors to ensure access to newest technologies.
7. Keep abreast of customer needs, patent literature, regulatory issues, and industry trends to anticipate new product applications and formulations.
8. Serve as a technical leader in the lab and assist in the professional and technical development of less experienced R & D personnel and Technical Consultants.
9. Develop and assign project objectives which are in accordance with the company’s goals. Report project status and progress to management.
10. Provide input to Technical Director and VP R & D on budget and projects.
11. Develop and deliver technical presentations to internal (WS) and external (customers, industry) audiences.
12. Develop technical training material for distribution to field sales/service organization.
13. Maintain complete and up to date technical information in Laboratory notebook.
14. Operate within specified safety guidelines, including wearing safety glasses at all times, following safe operating procedures, and maintaining a clean work environment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

1. Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related sciences is required. An advanced degree is preferred.
2. Minimum of 3 years’ experience in laundry/textile formulation is preferred.
3. Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal communication skills.
4. Demonstrated excellence in teamwork and effective collaboration.
5. Ability to manage and deliver on multiple objectives under aggressive timelines, balance resources and priorities to achieve objectives, and contribute solutions to challenging research and translational development questions.
6. Good problem-solving and decision-making skills. Displays a sense of urgency and initiative with creativity and flexibility.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
2. Frequently required to sit, use hands to handle, or feel, and talk or hear.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Corporate working environment.
2. Noise level in the Corporate working environment is usually moderate.
3. Laboratory working environment.
4. Required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Laboratory.