Reporting to the President & CEO, the VP R&D is responsible for building Wikoff's R&D Center of Excellence and creating innovative solutions for our customer's most challenging problems. Oversees and supervises all innovation efforts for the Wikoff Color Corporation's R&D, with responsibility for the development, coordination and implementation of plans designed to increase existing business and capture new opportunities. Achieves overall key strategic alignment across business & cross-functional leads for the realization of identified growth initiatives. This role is an active member of the leadership team working to motivate and lead people, drive change, challenge the status quo and successfully execute the technical vision & strategy.
Job Description
Develop, lead and drive the innovation strategy & prioritization for Wikoff Color, providing the technical vision that is aligned with Wikoff's corporate business objectives.
Assess and structure the R&D organization and labs to align with Wikoff's corporate strategy, enhancing speed, collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Oversee the centralization of Wikoff's R&D efforts to improve efficiencies and optimize the product portfolio
Establish & maintain a balanced and strategic project portfolio that is aligned with Wikoff's growth charter and create solutions that balances risk with overall reward
Assess & direct the efforts of Wikoff's R&D team, adjusting schedule and personnel, oversee budget & CAPEX requests and steer to achieve critical deadlines
Identify new growth opportunities that lead to new business, entry into new markets and development of new products through extensive collaboration with customers as well as Wikoff's Commercial Sales and Strategic Marketing teams.
Represents Wikoff's technology and solutions to customers, associations and external collaborators
Stay informed of current & impending regulatory mandates and its implications for Wikoff's product portfolio and long-term product roadmap and advise customers on available options.
Review, negotiate and execute legal agreements, such as NDAs, to protect Wikoff's interests
Educate, inform and steer management to the best growth opportunities
Active member in both Wikoff's ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and Safety teams, showcasing dedication to sustainability, corporate responsibility, and a safety-focused culture of continuous improvement
Responsible for hiring, development and management of Wikoff's R&D employees
Monitor and enhance R&D policies, procedures, and operating controls in accordance to Wikoff's QMS & ISO 9001 certification standards.
Position reports to the President & CEO and is an active member of Wikoff's Executive Leadership Team.
Qualifications / Job Requirements
BS degree in Chemistry; PhD or masters preferred
Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in research & development
5+ years leading a multidisciplinary R&D organization, including leadership of people managers and experience running a small department
Experience managing budgets and resource allocation
Proven experience influencing and guiding internal and external stakeholders effectively
Attention to detail with strong organizational and problem solving skills
Proficient in Microsoft office products with excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills