Manager, Research & Development - Materials Engineering

DESCRIPTION

Driven by a commitment to research, quality, and service, PDI provides innovative products, educational resources, training, and support to prevent infection transmission and promote health and wellness. Encompassing three areas, our Healthcare, Sani Professional and Contract manufacturing divisions, we develop, manufacture, and distribute leading edge products for North America and the world. We have several locations across the US and are looking for new Associates to join our team!

POSITION PURPOSE

As an R&D Manager, you will lead innovation within the PDI's Materials Engineering team, specifically focusing on areas such as nonwoven and compatibility. In this role, you will spearhead a high-performing team of engineers and scientists to drive R&D initiatives, facilitate technology transfer, and ensure the successful commercialization of innovative solutions aligned with PDI's strategic priorities. You will be accountable for setting clear performance expectations, driving team accountability, and ensuring delivery of results that meet or exceed business objectives. Your leadership will directly impact team engagement, innovation velocity, and organizational success.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

In this role, you will drive both technical and leadership excellence. Leading a dynamic team, you will be responsible for the design, development, and execution of R&D programs, advancing PDI's Materials Engineering function while nurturing a culture of continuous learning and innovation. In addition to technical responsibilities, your leadership will be crucial in managing cross-functional collaboration, building strong partnerships with external stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks such as EPA, FPLA, FDA, GMP, and OTC processes.

• Leadership & Team Development: Inspire and motivate a technical team, leading by example to foster a culture of open communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Establish and monitor individual and team goals, holding team members accountable for outcomes. Lead performance reviews and ensure alignment with KPIs and organizational standards. Strategic Alignment: Lead the team in driving projects that align with PDI's long-term business strategy, ensuring that both technical and business objectives are exceeded. Facilitate team discussions around strategic decision-making and encourage innovative solutions that solve complex challenges.
• Project Management & Cross-functional Leadership: Lead the Materials Engineering team through the design, development, and execution of cross-functional R&D projects. Ensure the delivery of high-impact results, with a keen focus on resource management, timeline adherence, and stakeholder collaboration.

Responsibilities:

Leadership and collaboration: Fostering excellence: In this leadership role, you will be a key architect of high-performance teams. Your focus on coaching, personal development, and career progression will not only ensure the success of your team but also contribute to PDI's organizational growth. You will actively engage in leadership development, identifying emerging leaders within the team and nurturing their talents to ensure succession planning and future growth. You will be responsible for cultivating a results-driven culture, where accountability, ownership, and high performance are consistently reinforced. You will proactively address performance gaps and recognize excellence to drive continuous improvement.

• Project and portfolio participation: Navigating complexity: As a leader, you will participate in high-level strategic discussions, offering your insights and guidance to shape key projects and R&D initiatives. You will help develop proactive resource plans, balancing technical and business needs to ensure the seamless execution of projects. Your ability to influence decisions and your strategic thinking will be essential in aligning team efforts with PDI's broader goals.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

Success will be measured not only by the technical outcomes of your team's projects but also by the leadership impact you have on the R&D organization. Key performance indicators include:

• Team Development: Your ability to foster growth within your team, ensuring their continuous development and preparing them for future leadership roles.
• Project Success: Achieving high-quality outcomes for R&D initiatives that align with PDI's business strategy and contribute to revenue and profit growth.
• Collaboration & Influence: Your ability to engage effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to drive decision-making and ensure successful project outcomes.

QUALIFICATIONS

To be successful in this role, you should possess a blend of technical expertise and strong leadership skills. You must be able to manage and inspire a diverse team while driving innovation in materials science. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate proficiency in business leadership, team development, and cross-functional collaboration.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION

• A minimum of a BS degree in Material Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline is needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

• A strong foundation in materials science and engineering principles,
• Knowledge in New Product development and leadership in a regulated environment.
• An openness to gaining a fundamental understanding of nonwovens and the supply chain is essential.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• 8+ years of relevant experience, including demonstrated leadership in R&D projects within regulated environments.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and drive cross-functional collaboration.

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Leadership in R&D: Proven experience leading and mentoring high-performing teams in research and development, particularly in regulated industries.
• Accountability Leadership: Demonstrated ability to set clear expectations, monitor progress, and hold teams accountable for delivering high-impact results.
• Strategic Thinking: Strong ability to think strategically, manage competing priorities, and deliver innovative solutions.
• Communication & Influence: Excellent communication skills, with a focus on both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to influence decision-making at all levels of the organization.
• Continuous Improvement: A passion for fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, with a strong focus on career advancement for your team.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This role offers a dynamic, collaborative environment that allows you to influence both technical and leadership aspects of R&D projects. You will have the opportunity to shape the future of PDI's Materials Engineering team while helping your team members grow into their full potential.

SALARY RANGE:

• $1435,000 - $160,000 annually

BENEFITS

PDI is pleased to offer comprehensive and affordable benefits for our associates, which includes:

• Medical, behavioral & prescription drug coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) savings plan with company match and profit sharing
• Basic and supplemental Life and AD&D insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Short & long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health Advocacy Program

PDI also offers many voluntary benefits such as: Legal services, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, ID theft and fraud protection, pet insurance and employee discounts.

At PDI, we are also committed to helping our associates maintain a healthy and sustainable work/life balance and are proud to provide associates with paid time off programs including: sick & safe leave, vacation, company & floating holidays, paid parental leave, and depending on the position we also offer summer hours and flex place/flex time options.