VP of R&D, Technology & Innovation

 Our client is a midsized, rapidly growing, global manufacturer headquartered in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. The company is recognized as a global leader in engineered plastics, composite materials and thermoplastic foam products for a variety of industries such as home furnishings, packaging, construction, recreation, agriculture, marine, transportation and insulation. The company recently received the FranklinCovey Award for Execution Greatness and incorporates their principles as well as Six Sigma, and Lean Manufacturing to continuously improve processes and results. The company also prides itself on having an excellent Environmental, Health & Safety record. 

 

 

The VP of R&D, Technology & Innovation reports directly to the President and has responsibility for Product Development, Research, Protecting Intellectual Property, and Business Development. Our client is seeking a proven leader who will provide strategic leadership and who: (a) Can build a team and motivate others; (b) Has a positive track record of accomplishments that brings value to the business: (c) Possesses strong interpersonal skills which is evidenced by a  track record of creating and maintaining long term relationships with employees and customers.

 

Successful characteristics and traits of the ideal candidate include being: a self starter, a doer, results oriented, collaborative,  innovative, creative, takes ownership and responsibility.  

 

 

Key responsibilities:

 

·  Oversee the development of technology and capabilities to support the long term needs of the business. Collaborate with the business unit leaders to determine future customer requirements and develop strategies, capabilities and technology to meet those needs, up to and including evaluating and pursuing mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and development agreements.

 

·  Direct the strategic plan for research of new materials, new capabilities and new technology. This includes generating and executing a strategic direction for organic and M&A activity for core and non-core competency growth. This would also include the managing the process from growth through the integration for the listed activities.

 

·  Direct the strategic plan for the development of new products. Establish development objectives based on business needs. Initiate the development of new products and technologies and work with management, sales and marketing to determine developmental needs. Responsible for successful product performance including some technical aspects of the product liability.

 

·  Insure the technical core competency of the organization is protected and disseminated throughout the organization with a focus on retaining and expanding the technical core competency through training, technical repositories and success duplication.

 

·  Corporate responsibility for research, technology development, product development and business development which includes 4 manufacturing locations and multiple foaming technology for multiple resin platforms.

 

Qualifications/Requirements:

 

·  15+ years of multi-functional experience, at least 5 years at commensurate level of responsibility.

·  Ph.D or M.S Degree in Engineering, Polymer Science or Materials Science.

·  Strong Knowledge of IP to include: Pursuit of patents, trade secret protection, and liability.

·  Excellent knowledge of polymer sciences and network in the chemical industry.

·  Demonstrated leadership, technical expertise, good interpersonal, and organization/project management skills are required.

·  Experience with Thermoplastic Foams extrusions and molded products is a plus

 

Our client offers a highly competitive compensation, benefits and relocation package. If you possess the required experience and are seeking a dynamic, fast-paced opportunity with an industry leading world-class manufacturer then send your resume for immediate consideration. All responses will be held in the strictest of confidence.