Essential Function:
Provide technical and team leadership for the planning and execution of Consumer Division research projects for the development of new products, improvements and cost saving opportunities. Define technical approaches for success. Direct all activities relating to the compatibility and stability of formulations and non-wovens. Coordinate product development activities with Marketing, Manufacturing, Sales, Purchasing, Regulatory, QA and other internal and external support services. Maintain a high performing, focused group that demands excellence and where openness, teamwork, creativity, innovation and speed are shared values.

Scope:
Position interacts with all other R & D functions, Nice-Pak Management Team, Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality Systems, Regulatory, Graphics, Creative Services, External Legal / Patent support, External Technology Leaders and Suppliers. Position expenses are part of the Research and Development budget.

Position Responsibilities

1. Relative to Consumer Division Products, responsible for developing the strategy for all new formulations and modifications to existing formulations in compliance with appropriate regulatory guidelines and governing laws.
2. Develop and maintain programs to continually improve current product quality and cost structure to assure a product portfolio that is "Best in Class".
3. Assure a robust new product development program that delivers on unmet consumer needs. Translate customer marketing goals into technical specifications to assure a focused R & D effort. Leverage external resources to increase program value. Champion new areas of technology with external partnerships.
4. Identify early emerging technologies and potential external technology partners.
5. Maintain a competitive assessment strategy and direct claim support activities designed to show superiority over key competitors.
6. Work closely with Patent Attorney to identify potential technical infringements and Intellectual Property that can be patented. Writing and technically analyzing patents. Identify other IP assets e.g. proprietary testing methodologies.
7. Collaborate with Purchasing and Manufacturing to recommend and validate sourcing opportunities and process improvements.
8. Technically troubleshoot current consumer products.
9. Create presentations, as needed, to explain new products and technologies to Sales, Marketing and Customers.
10. Identify new uses for existing Company technologies.
11. Develop, as needed, SOP's to insure GLP compliance and robustness of developed scientific data.
12. Work closely with Marketing and Sales to identify market trends and product concepts that have high sales potential.
13. Act as R & D interface with Sales in support of customer relations related to technical matters.
14. Develop strategy for toxicological and microbiological testing of all marketed products in Consumer Division.
15. Review and sign-off on technical appropriateness of product labeling.
16. Maximize resource allocation to ensure success across all activities. Develop goals and objectives for the group, and maintain a continuing education program for staff.

Supervisory Responsibilities (if any)

Direct Reports: Sr. Manager, Product Development (1)
                             Manager, New Product Development (1)

Indirect Reports: Development Chemists (4)

Minimum Requirements

Equivalent Education Level Requirement: BS Degree in Science or related field; M.S. or MBA a plus.

Experience Required: Minimum 15 years progressive experience with supervisory responsibility and documented record of accomplishments.

Attributes: Self motivated; open to new ideas; stimulate innovation in others; excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to work collaboratively across departments; able to gain confidence and earn respect of others.

Knowledge Required

1. Formulation Development.
2. FDA and ISO Regulations.
3. Project Timeline Management.
4. Internal and external safety / technical testing methodologies.
5. Manufacturing systems and processes.
6. Computer literate.