Classification:

Salary

Job Description:

Are you looking for a new challenge? Passionate about innovation? Want to work for a global company that values integrity, teamwork, and loyalty? 

At LATICRETE International, we aim to be the leading construction brand trusted globally for high-performance tile and stone installation systems and building finishing solutions. We’ve been in business for over 65 years, family-owned for three generations, and can be found in over 100 countries. The Hartford Business Journal even named us one of Connecticut’s top family-owned companies in 2017! 

We don't just make innovative, industry-leading products. Our purpose is to improve the built world and the lives of those who build it. We strive to connect with, engage with and improve the lives of our employees, our customers, our partners, and the global communities in which we operate. 

We are seeking passionate and ambitious employees who want to make a difference not just within our organization, but within their communities, our industry, and the world. If that sounds like you, then what are you waiting for? Join the family and expand your horizons!

Just some of our benefits:

MedicalDentalVision401kTuition reimbursement13 paid holidays in addition to paid vacation and sick timeFlexible spendingLife Insurance, AD&D and Supplemental Insurance

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Research and Development will supervise Research and Development Managers to ensure timely delivery of projects as agreed upon with all cross functional teams involved in the Product Development process. This role regularly communicates with as Marketing, Technical Service, Supply chain, Production, Human Resources, and Sales to achieve department objectives.

The Director of R&D will collaborate with the Product management Department to define the characteristics of new products to be developed. This roll ensures an overall advancement of the expertise of the R & D department through training. It is responsible for ensuring that the testing and analytical capabilities of the R & D department can fulfill North America and International requirements and standards. The Director will participate and collaborate with all International R & D labs .

This role will also represents the R & D department at tradeshows, conferences, trade committees, technical conference around the world. The director will coordinate cost out initiatives to ensure the most economical production cost with respect to the expected performance of the product.  This role will publish technical literature in industry related journals, magazines and books.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned, as necessary. 

1. Strategic Leadership & Planning (40%)

Implement R&D strategy aligned with company goals, ensure alignment of R&D efforts with market demand and corporate vision

Identify emerging technologies & trends to maintain competitive edge

Oversee the development of new products, services & technologies. Guide scientific or technical research to enhance product capabilities

Foster culture of innovation and continuous improvement

Maintain a clean working laboratory environment as well as proper working equipment. Ensure that all instruments that require periodic calibration and validation requirements do so per laboratory calibration/validation procedures.

Comply with all laboratory, company, state and federal safety regulations.

2. Provide Support (30%):

Maintain a cooperative, professional attitude with all LATICRETE employees and customers.

Support Technical Services requests to evaluate field complaints in specific area.

Support Operations in evaluating product inconsistencies & providing disposition

Participate in multi-disciplinary teams.

Communicate results within R&D, cross-functional departments and Stage Gate review meetings.

Help organize and participate in field trials as required.

Interact with end-use customers and contractors to understand product usage, limitations, and needs.

Represent R&D at tradeshows, trade committees, standardization authorities in US and around the world.

Drive cost out initiatives to ensure most economical production cost with respect to the expected performance of the product. Determine quality control parameters for product testing.

3. Data Analysis and Documentation (10%)

Process, analyze, and interpret results and data in specific areas.

Summarize ongoing work and findings to colleagues during department meetings.

Coach the scientists and Chemists on procedures, train them to be independent performers/formulators.

4. Mentor & Manage  (20%)

Directly or indirectly supervise multiple levels of R&D team (i.e Sr. Managers, Managers, Scientists, Chemist, Technicians and/or others as required).

Set performance and work goals for team, communicate the progress throughout the year

Set short-term and long-term goals for the team for personal development and continuous improvement

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

PhD in Chemistry, Material Science, Polymer Science or a closely related field is preferred.

Bachelor’s in a physical science is required

Specialized Skills and Experience:

15 years of product development experience.

Proven leadership with 10 or more years of experience leading/managing groups of people in a laboratory and/or product development environment.

Demonstrated ability to innovate products

Experience formulating products in a research and development lab environment for the construction industry.

Experience with Production/Operations, Product Management, QC, ISO processes, Analytical Chemistry, Product Development, Finance, Accounting and Marketing departments.

Must be familiar with the process of researching patents, writing invention disclosures, and other publications within the industry.

Demonstrated analytical ability/ Well organized, detail oriented, and systematic in documenting results.

Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills in order to present and write reports.

Ability to organize and present results in a clear concise manner.

Actively develops and maintains strategic vendor and external research partnerships, identifying and integrating new technologies into company initiatives. Demonstrates the ability to initiate and manage external collaborations, contributing to department-wide innovation through vendor-driven projects and technical correspondence.

Must be able to analyze data independently and apply some specialized knowledge (e.g. DOE and statistical methods to solve problems).

Must be a self-starter and able to multi-task.

Computer skills: Intermediate to Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook and other specialty software systems as required.

Travel Requirement: 

• 10% domestic as required. 

• Must possess or be able to secure a passport and Visa.

Physical Requirements:

Lift: Must be able to lift and/or carry a minimum of 50 pounds.  

Push/Pull: Must be able to push/pull 50 pounds.

Standing: Must be able to stand at least 50% of the day.

Sitting: Must be able to sit at least 50% of the day.