R&D Manager - Infrastructure Job

JOB DIMENSIONS

General purpose: Responsible for guiding and managing the Infrastructure (Asphalt and Pavement applications) R&D portfolio from initial ideation through full commercialization. Within the Infrastructure projects and platform, this role ensures the efficient deployment of technical resources across North America, with strategic resourcing aligned to both Global Platform teams and North American Business teams. Focused on driving new product and market growth, as well as defending existing market positions, the portfolio’s outcomes directly influence North America’s sales, earnings, and operating margins.

ACTIVITIES

• Work with the BU leaders and the R&D Director on project selection and prioritization.
• Work closely with the BU leadership to drive the technical programs through the different phases of commercialization.
• Makes use of Portfolio management and Stage Gate to successfully drive programs to commercialization.
• Contributes to the global innovation strategy and portfolio of programs; Leads the North American portfolio for Infrastructure.
• Ensures that the NA Innovation and New Product Development programs are properly organized, resourced and in-sync with the global programs.
• Develop IP portfolio in Infrastructure and makes recommendations concerning NA portfolio and competitive landscape.
• Propose new R&D projects to the R&D Director and the NA leadership team,
• Outline resources and capital expenditures required to ensure a pipeline to develop and enhance the portfolio.
• Ensure technical and scientific competencies are aligned with business objectives and strategies.
• Develop product roadmaps and multigenerational product plans to meet business objectives
• Communicate to management:  Progress on development projects, significant technical or market findings which may offer new business opportunities.
• Communicate on technical papers at conferences and manage webinars and customer road shows.  
• Support business strategies and initiatives at key customers by building relationships with key stakeholders.
• Work with the sales force to coordinate and participate in field trials with customers.
• Responsible for performance reviews, career development and safety for direct reports in their organization within R&D group in North America.
• Talent development within their direct reports.
• Contributes to Talent recruitment.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Ph.D. or advanced degree preferred in Chemistry, Material Science, or Chemical/Civil Engineering
• 10+ years of experience in specialty chemicals/Asphalt and/or Pavement chemicals
• Demonstrated innovation track record
• Demonstrated technical and managerial excellence which delivers significant commercial impact in a globalized business