Director Research, Development, and Innovation at Memphis

Job Description

Director, Research, Development and Innovation (MEM0003X) Responsible for scouting new technologies that would be applicable to the Paper / Packaging industry

Candidate Qualifications:

BS degree (engineering and/or technical), MBA preferred

8 years product development experience

Experience with concept testing, and ability to develop value propositions

Technically skilled

Demonstrated leadership skills

Demonstrated people skills (influential and collaborative)

Demonstrated project management skills

Attention to detail

Excellent communication skills (oral and written)

Independent worker

Creative & resourceful

Computer and spreadsheet literate

Travel up to 50%

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the ability to manage a team of direct reports.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Responsible for new product leadership, product line vitality/modifications and developing pipeline of products to ensure sustainable stream of innovative product introductions.

Drive new product/brand development via collaboration with peers across the organization, working closely with the executive management team, sales & marketing, and manufacturing segments, as well as outside consultants.

Gather and analyze customer and consumer insights to identify potential new product opportunities.

Acts as a liaison and coordinator with Marketing & Sales, to develop & manage a portfolio of new product proposals that positions EPIs product line to meet targeted Sales Growth Plans over the near and long term.

Business and product planning strategies to include management of product life cycle opportunities & challenges.

Manage new product development projects to maximize speed to market, completeness and accuracy. Establish plans that include product positioning and branding strategies.

Provide leadership and creative and strategic oversight throughout the process.

Use EPIs stage gate process, modified as necessary, to develop new ideas and bring new products to commercial success.

Use judgment, influence, and gating process to stop less viable projects early to avoid unproductive consumption of resources.

Manage new product development costs to ensure budgetary constraints are met.

Work with other functional areas to gain a complete understanding of market needs, competitor price points, propose pricing, merchandising, packaging and promotional strategies as well as key technical & manufacturing hurdles that must be overcome

Develop and present new product business cases including cost/benefit analysis and resource planning.

Reinvent, reposition and grow an established and recognized line of branded products in a very competitive category via new product and brand development efforts.

Develop brand positioning/re-positioning strategies.

Responsible for direct management of new product development personnel to include establishment of objectives, key work assignments, and performance management.

Initially responsible for activities highlighted above in the gable top packaging area, but may later be utilized in other paper manufacturing areas as deemed appropriate.

Project Selection: Work with Marketing, Sales and Customer Marketing teams to Identify new product opportunities.

Travel to scout applicable technologies for the Paper and Packaging Industry

Feasibility Study: Work with Marketing & Commercial accounting to develop initial Feasibility study to include both Management & Commercial presentations.

Project Planning: Develop comprehensive project plan to include:

a. New product portfolio

b. Budget

c. Time line & milestones

d. Internal resources

e. External resources

f. Deliverables

Project Management: Position will be responsible for the overall deliverables as agreed upon in the project document including the management of commercial relationships through the initial start-up phase.

Commercial Presentations: Position working with the Sales organization will work to develop commercial opportunities for the project.

Management updates: Position will update Management on a monthly basis or as required.

Responsibilities:

Job Requirements

*See Job Description,CERT: Project Management,ED: BS,EXP: Packaging,EXP: Product Development

Country: USA, State: Tennessee, City: Memphis, Company: EVERGREEN PACKAGING.