Research & Development Project Manager

Kao Corporation; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dynamic Project Manager to drive innovation in laundry chemical products. In this role, you will develop new formulations, enhance existing products, and ensure quality standards while collaborating with cross-functional teams. You will also provide technical support and guidance to customers, shaping the future of the commercial laundry industry. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact in a company committed to sustainability and performance. If you are passionate about science and innovation, this role offers a chance to thrive in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field required.
• 3+ years experience in laundry/textile formulation preferred.
• Strong problem-solving and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop new products and improve existing ones for WSI.
• Provide technical support and guidance to customers.
• Manage multiple projects and deliver on objectives.

Skills

Verbal Communication

Written Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Project Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry

Advanced degree in related sciences

Job description

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:

• Provide technical guidance, formulation development, and application problem solving to assist in the growth of existing product line and customer base.
• Provide technical support in the field as needed.
• Develop and execute test protocols in support of technical issues and project tasks.
• Execute assigned quarterly project tasks in a timely manner.
• Provide technically sound written and verbal support to the field and customers on technical issues and evaluations performed.
• Develop and maintain contact with key suppliers/vendors to ensure access to newest technologies.
• Keep abreast of customer needs, patent literature, regulatory issues, and industry trends to anticipate new product applications and formulations.
• 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.
• Develop and assign project objectives which are in accordance with the company’s goals. Report project status and progress to management.
• Provide input to Technical Director and VP R&D on budget and projects.
• Develop and deliver technical presentations to internal (WS) and external (customers, industry) audiences.
• Develop technical training material for distribution to field sales/service organization.
• Maintain complete and up-to-date technical information in Laboratory notebook.
• 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.

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related sciences is required. An advanced degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in laundry/textile formulation is preferred.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated excellence in teamwork and effective collaboration.
• 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.
• 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.

• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• 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.

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