We are the North American leader in specialty aerosol and liquid product manufacturing. PLZ specializes in the development, manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of a comprehensive line of contract fill, branded, and private-label products. We formulate, blend, fill, and package more than 2,500 branded and private label products across industries.

The VP of R&D is responsible for developing & managing the R&D department, creating a robust new products & innovation pipeline, managing the effectiveness & efficiency of team and systems, developing streamlined process and standard operating procedures, driving connectivity with cross functional teams to meet customer needs and ensure valued communication with customers and vendors. This position requires an ability to adapt and lead through business changes, problem solve & develop individuals, team and OnePLZ culture. Champion the R&D strategic vision and lead function for all of PLZ

• Lead, coach, develop and manage a team of 35+ R&D professionals including creating on boarding, training, coaching and development programs for R&D at all levels and resource allocation
• Drive platform innovation across key strategic categories
• Provide insight and recommendations for PLZ wide policies and procedures improvements that drive speed to market and customer satisfaction
• Develop, implement and maintain standard operating processes for R&D while ensuring that the processes lead to efficient and effective operations of the function
• Conduct analysis and synthesize recommendations to drive improvements throughout the R&D function
• Develop and achieve extensive KPIs related to new product development as well as portfolio maintenance and manage the function based on the appropriate use of the KPIs
• Lead formula, component & chemical harmonization and rationalization
• Collaborate cross-functionally (with Regulatory, Sales, Supply Chain, Operations, EHS, Project Management & Tech Data teams) to ensure safety, manufacturability, compliance, game changing customer experience and the execution of growth & financial plans
• Work closely with the Sales organization to ensure high quality and timely services are delivered to customers
• Ensure that effective corrective actions are taken in response to customer/consumer complaints or identified quality issues
• Forecast hiring needs and manage functional budgets and expenditures
• Develop, implement and report out on ESG priorities i.e. product stewardship and recycling initiatives

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of R&D or related experience in a manufacturing environment – aerosol and liquid chemical R&D experience preferred
• Minimum of 3 years in a leadership role
• BS or higher degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Biology required
• Proven track record of being an exceptional leader demonstrated through communication (non-verbal/verbal), employee coaching/developing, delegation, cross functional partnership, ownership/responsibility, team results, decision making, and emotional intelligence
• Critical thinker with advanced problem-solving skills
• Strong initiative and drive to resolve problems and implement process improvements
• Results-oriented, data-driven mind-set, and strong business acumen with the ability to make difficult decisions
• Outstanding time management skills with multi-tasking capabilities and impeccable attention to detail and accuracy
• Past experience with assessing talent, leading teams in different locations and working across multiple business units
• Ability to display strong technical, interpersonal and analytical skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a diverse team environment, across remote and multiple location, and operate independently to achieve objectives
• Exceptional organization skills with the ability to manage and prioritize tasks
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to build strong relationships with customers, vendors and co-workers
• SAP and ProductVision experience preferred
• ERP integration/migration experience preferred
• SharePoint, Smartsheet experience preferred
• Proficiency in Windows, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook and other MS Office applications

The salary range for this position is $175-230k / year.

The hiring base salary range above represents what PLZ reasonably expects to pay for this position as of the date of this posting. Actual salaries will vary within the range, and in some circumstances may be above or below the range, based on various factors including but not limited to a candidate’s relevant skills, experience, education and training, and location, as well as the job scope and complexity, responsibilities, and regular and/or necessary travel required for the position, which may change depending on the candidate pool. PLZ reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Additional Info

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or other protected status. EEOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.