Global R&D Director Job in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania US
Mars Fishcare is a full range provider of food, water treatments, and equipment to freshwater saltwater fish hobbyists. Mars Fishcare is a $43 Million business globally with $25M in NSV in the US and $18M in Europe. There are 150 associates globally with 105 in the US and the remainder in Europe. There are 12 globally in RD There is one manufacturing facility in the US focused on Treatment Manufacture anmd a network of co-manufacturers for Food and equipment
The purpose of the role is to lead, develop, motivate, and engage associates in the Global Fishcare RD function to deliver on the Fishcare strategy and objectives. The role is seen internally as a 3 year development role to assess the existing Innovation approach within Fishcare and to implement appropriate changes. It will give the job holder some unique experience of functional management with RD.
Key responsibilities of the role include, but are not limited to, developing and leading global new product initiatives, manage project portfolios in all categories (hardware, treatment, food), know target audiences, demographics, structure, competition, etc. and understand global brands and how to support them.
- Manage RD budget of $1 million
- Build and develop Product Technology Strategies aligned with existing Brand strategies to ensure sustainable growth of products/brands.
- Develop and recommends New Product Generation Plan - Road Map for the next 5 years to deliver the Mars Fishcare strategic business shape.
- Partner with the Head of Marketing to ensure appropriate levels of control and management of the New Product Portfolio through the development of a key set of integrated metrics aligned with Mars Fishcare Global and Regional Strategies.
- Make recommendations and improvements to the established New Products Development Process and ensure improvements to the process are applied across the business.
- Govern new product development process.
- Review current organisation and recommend and implement an RD strategic plan ensuring resources are allocated appropriately to breakthrough innovation, product development and product maintenance.
- Recommend and implement a strategic network in terms of science, testing, co-design, and co-development.
- Oversea investments to update the esiting Fish research facilities at our CHA site
- Liaise with the Fish research team at WCPN to ensure we have appropriate programs in place
- Define and execute programs that allow for the successful deployment of the RD and Product strategies.
- Support the Global Management Team with:
o Accountability for all safety related issues within RD and NPD (lab testing, product safety, etc.).
o Accountability for product safety and compliance to regulatory guidelines mandated by state, federal and international agencies.
o Management of resources, particularly talent, and ensure resources are developed and deployed according to strategic priorities.
o Liaison with Mars Global IP group to make recommendations on intellectual property management.
Mission Critical Competencies
- Managing Vision and Purpose
- Strategic Agility
- Building Effective Teams
- Priority Management
- Decision Quality
- Motivating Others
- Coaching others
- Developing Direct Reports
Key Functional Skills/Knowledge
- Excellence in Innovation Management and Technology Management.
- High performing leader from all aspects (talent management, horizontal accountability with fellow Management Team members, model of High performing team behaviour for RD and Mars Fishcare).
- Excellent business, organization and communication skills.
- Visible leadership: Make the tough calls on quality, associates, budget, etc.
- Influence key leaders within Mars to support the growth agenda of Mars Fishcare.
- Broad external and internal network across region and the world.
- Model Product Quality Excellence to the total Mars Fishcare organization.
- Fluent in English, knowledge of French a plus.
- Experience in remote management.
Key Experiences
- 8-10 years experience in RD/Product development/consumer goods
- Ability to travel internationally
Desired Education
BS Undergraduate degree preferably in a Science discipline
Masters or PHD preferred
Decision Making Authority and Impact
Associates Directly Managed
5 total in the US
2 total in Europe
Associates Indirectly Managed
3 in total