R&D Manager - Consumer Products (f/m/d)

Working at Freudenberg: We will wow your world!

Responsibilities:

• Manage R&D projects from ideation to market implementation in a multifunctional project team involving internal and external partners.

• Responsible for all Product Development activities: design, prototyping, design for manufacturability, testing methods for product validation, timing and costs.

• Artfully connect consumer experiences and desires to unique technical concepts to bring actionable features and benefits to life.

• Translate winning consumer concepts into technical product executions by identifying possible IP protection.

• Manage and support an existing product portfolio related to quality, regulatory compliance, cost saving, supply chain and production initiatives.

• Support all R&D initiatives in the area of floor cleaning as well as all necessary starting materials in the area of textiles.

• Align with and update the Global R&D Director on resources, key project milestones and budget.

• Plan and coordinates product testing to do technical claim support, benchmark and competitor analysis.

• Work in close contact with Lab Technicians for product development testing and analysis in terms of performance and durability; develop new test methods as needed.

• Scout new product and technology trends and infuse them into the Innovation Process.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering in Textiles or Chemistry; or equivalent job experience in Textiles/Chemistry.

• 5+ years of experience preferred. Proven experience in product development, preferably in globally operating FMCG companies.

• Experience with household cleaning products strongly preferred (must have experience with consumer products).

• Textile/Chemistry knowledge, including manufacturing methods and assembly methods, with an emphasis on sustainable materials.

• Experience in project management with track record of successful projects.

• Ability to analyze patents and to evaluate potential for own IP.

• Creative and open mind, strong in analytical and strategic thinking, able to analyze and translate customer needs into innovations and new products.

• Likes to work in an international/multi-cultural and multifunctional team.

• Ability to work in a self-motivated way and to manage complex tasks effectively.

• Good communication skills. Able to communicate technical facts effectively to interdisciplinary project teams, to external parties, and to present them to top management. Fluent in written and verbal English.

• Ability to travel approximately 15% (including global).

The Freudenberg Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Freudenberg Household Products LP (USA)