Manager of Research and Development (R &D)

SC JOHNSON IS A FIFTH-GENERATION FAMILY COMPANY BUILT ON THE SPIRIT OF OUR PEOPLE. We have been leading with purpose for over 130 years, building iconic brands that win the hearts and minds of consumers – such as Raid®, Glade®, Ziploc® and more, in virtually every country around the world. Together, we are creating a better future – for the planet, for future generations and for every SCJ team member. Join our winning team of Wave Makers and Go Getters and help us write the next chapter in the SCJ story.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are currently searching for a Manager of Research and Development (R&D).

In this role, you will manage the technical elements of a strategic product form (or a well-defined subset), delivering superior solutions that drive North America business results and continuous growth. You will manage a rolling year product pipeline to provide superior products, a continuous cadence of base business news, claims support, and a robust technology roadmap for key product forms. Additionally, you will have people management accountability to lead, develop, and maintain a highly capable, curious, and engaged team that has direct impact on the strategic and technical capabilities of the North America market.  Strong collaboration and ability to influence leaders with cross functional business groups such as Marketing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Finance is critical to success in this role.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attract and retain talent while fostering a performance-driven culture

• Develop those in reporting organization through training opportunities, coaching, and performance management practices including conducting annual performance reviews, management succession, and development activities

• Build an engaged team with the required functional skill sets that understands their roles and responsibilities in delivering SCJ business objectives

• Leverage business, market, and category acumen to optimize business results

• Build and provide deep technical knowledge, business context, and competitive set information to drive robust project execution decisions

• Develop people and project prioritization plans with peers to balance technical development, project delivery and personal development

• Ensure project staffing with the right capability and resources (people, tools, equipment, and budget) to drive business results

• Collaborate with business partners to deliver aligned cost savings and profitability goals while maintaining product quality and consumer experience

• Drive alignment and enrollment to a course of action among key cross-functional peers in R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Finance

• Understand category landscape and consumer needs and apply appropriately to maintain and enhance consumer experience and value to drive superiority while ensuring that project objectives and execution are aligned to those key consumer elements

• Create/develop portfolio strategies/objectives while directing team and long-term portfolio management

• Identify, develop, and recommend new and improved global offerings in existing categories, formats, and brands that lead to profitable growth – ideation to launch

• Provide thought-partnership in the development of strategic plans for R&D pilot plant and tool room in Bay City

• Reach across management lines and collaborate with peers to achieve priority divisional initiatives

• Identify and escalate issues to senior management as needed to ensure transparency and project success

• Deliver commitments within budget and aligned timing expectations- demonstrating operational efficiency and effectiveness

• Demonstrate behaviors that reflect SCJ Success Drivers and establish a “Mindset to Win” culture in R&D category team

• Demonstrate strong R&D functional skills, including effective communication, financial acumen, integrated risk management, project management, quality, robustness, regulatory & safety, scientific rigor, and technical curiosity

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE YOU’LL BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering and 7+ years of related research and development/new product development/manufacturing experience, OR an advanced degree and 5+years of related research and development/new product development/manufacturing experience.

• Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship for full-time employment.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCES AND SKILLS

• Experience in Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) and/or Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industries

• People management, coaching or mentoring experience

• Project Management experience

• Proven ability to lead/manage across countries, functions, divisions, and management levels

• Strong influencing, strategic thinking, and leadership skills

• Demonstrated collaboration skills, including strong evidence of cross-functional partnerships/relationships

• Demonstrated leadership skills to lead a diverse R&D team

• Experience and understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities for data analyses and insights, simplifying processes, etc.

• Ability to influence cross-functional leaders at multiple levels of the organization to drive cultural and process changes

• Ability to build cohesiveness and trust within the team, balanced with judgment that can make the right decisions and commitment to deliver what is promised

• Able to develop strategic plans for long term value improvement while also possessing ability to Drive for Results in short term

• Take prompt action to accomplish goals; proactively attempt to influence events rather than passively accept outcomes

• Ability to effectively communicate new ideas and approaches to audiences ranging from executive management to consumers

• Ability to work effectively with internal and external cross-functional team members in a cooperative co-located environment

• Proven track record in delivery commitments with significant impact to key business metrics (growth, share, margin improvement) including creative, innovative new product development processes that result in product and portfolio growth

• Ability to understand and integrate technical information into business decisions

• Define technical development requirements and robust product validation plans

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Full time, Monday through Friday, business hours.  

• This position is located at the Bay City, MI location and works in an office environment.

• Remote work is available once a week following a 90-day onboarding period.

• At least 10% travel is expected, primarily domestic.

• Ability to sit, stand, and lift up to 25 lbs.

• This role is eligible for domestic relocation. 

Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned

at any time with or without notice as assigned by the Manager. The job description

does not constitute a contract of employment and the position remains at-will.

BENEFITS AND PERKS

SC Johnson’s total compensation packages are at or above industry levels. In addition to salary, total packages may include bonuses, long-term incentives, matching 401(k) contributions and profit sharing based on company profitability, job level and years of service. As a family company, we’re committed to providing benefits such as subsidized health care plans, maternity/paternity/adoption leave, flexible work arrangements, vacation purchase options, recreation and fitness centers, childcare, counseling services and more.

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Inclusion & Diversity

We’re a global business, with people from every culture, ethnicity, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age and ability. We recognize the breadth of human experience, and we work to celebrate it. It is our goal to build a diverse, inclusive and supportive work environment where all people can thrive.

We’re committed to ongoing efforts that help us attract, hire, and retain diverse talent who want to build a positive, inclusive environment. Read more about our ongoing initiatives at https://jobs.scjohnson.com/inclusion.

Better Together

At SC Johnson, we strive to create a positive, inclusive and unique workplace. We strongly believe SCJ people are able to achieve their best when they can collaborate and work together in person.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The policy of the Company is to ensure equal opportunity for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, gender identity, gender expression, disability, citizenship, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in any active or reserve component of the U.S. or state military forces, genetic history or information or any other category protected by law.

Accommodation Requests

If you are an individual with a disability and you need an accommodation or other assistance during the application process, please call our Human Resources department at 262-260-3343 or email your request to [email protected]. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Download the EEO Know Your Rights poster for more information.