Research And Development Manager

Primary Function

The R&D Technical Manager is responsible for leading and managing research and development activities within the region, playing a critical role in driving innovation, improving products, and enhancing processes. This role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams to set strategic goals and ensure alignment with Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives’ overall vision.

Primary Responsibilities

• R&D Strategy Development: Develop and execute R&D strategies that align with business objectives, managing strategies specific to the region and supporting initiatives across other regions.
• Collaboration with Marketing and Sales: Work closely with marketing and sales teams to understand customer needs and identify emerging technologies and trends to maintain a competitive edge.
• Market and Product Analysis: Analyze market trends, competitor products, and customer preferences to inform product development and innovation.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with group functions to implement best practices and promote local solutions as global opportunities.
• Value Engineering Projects: Coordinate all value engineering projects in the region, including product redesigns and the qualification of new suppliers as needed.
• Innovation and Product Development: Lead the development of new products, features, and enhancements. Oversee the innovation projects in the region, ensuring successful launches of new products, improvements to existing products, and the creation of tailored solutions.
• Laboratory and Industrial Trials: Organize and run laboratory and industrial trials. Analyze and interpret the results to identify risks and issues and provide recommendations accordingly.
• IP Management: In collaboration with Group R&D, protect and manage the company’s IP portfolio, including patents and trademarks. Evaluate patentability and guide patent filings.
• External Collaboration: Work with external partners, universities, and research institutions to enhance R&D initiatives.
  
  

Secondary Responsibilities

• Team Development and Innovation: Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment. Set clear goals and performance metrics for the team, and provide guidance for continuous development.
• Resource Allocation: Effectively allocate resources to achieve project milestones. Monitor progress, budgets, and timelines while mitigating risks and resolving roadblocks.
• Company Collaboration: Collaborate with the overall company network to implement new products and projects, ensuring alignment with company-wide goals.
• Compliance and Safety: Ensure R&D activities adhere to industry standards, regulations, and safety guidelines.
• R&D Budget Management: Prepare and manage R&D budgets, ensuring financial efficiency.
• Policy Adherence: Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures throughout all R&D activities.
  
  

Position Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or a related discipline.
• Experience: 7 years of experience in a full-scope R&D role, with preference for experience in the self-adhesive industry.
• Scientific Expertise: Strong scientific mindset with the ability to design experiments and critically interpret results. Open to new ideas and data-driven decision-making.
• Communication Skills: Ability to explain scientific concepts and findings to non-scientific colleagues in a clear and accessible manner.
• Leadership and Initiative: Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to influence and drive innovation. Self-motivated with a proactive attitude to transform company culture.
• Analytical and Project Management Skills: Strong analytical, project management, and report-writing skills. Ability to manage projects, budgets, and timelines effectively.
• Technical Proficiency: Experience with ERP, project management software, and the Microsoft Office suite.
• Travel Requirements: Ability to travel approximately 15% for field sales calls, meetings, trade shows, etc.
• Language Skills: Proficiency in English (spoken, read, written) is required. Spanish and/or Italian is a plus.
• Time Management: Effective time management and organizational skills are essential for success in this role.