Vice President of Research and Development

UW Interco, LLC

The Large Scale Optical segment is part of Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: APOG), founded in 1949 and headquartered in Minneapolis, MN.  Apogee is a growing, profitable company with annual revenues approaching $1.5 billion. It provides distinctive metal and glass solutions for enclosing commercial buildings, and glass and acrylic solutions for picture framing and display applications. To learn more visit www.apog.com.

The Large Scale Optical (LSO) segment, has grown from $100M to $200M in revenue through a recent acquisition.  Our brands in the LSO portfolio develop and manufacture high-performance coated materials for a variety of applications, including wall décor, museums, graphic design, architectural interiors, digital display, and industrial flooring markets.  We are the global leader in anti-reflective, conservation grade electrostatic dissipative, high-definition, and abrasion resistance coatings, that provide protection, innovative designs, and exceptional durability.

Position Summary

The Vice President of Research and Development has responsibility for advancing the business’ portfolio of technologies to deliver innovative differentiated solutions for target markets.  This role will also focus on new product development process leadership and development of the R&D team across multiple locations.

Responsibilities

• Build vision and operational plan for R&D for segment that aligns with segment growth strategy

• Ensure all products meet necessary safety, environmental and industry regulations.

• Lead the new product development process and chair the steering committee to ensure we are actively managing the pipeline to focus on the most attractive opportunities where we have a right to win

• Align the company’s technology resources with the organization’s short- and long-term goals

• Attract, develop and retain technical talent

• Create and implement technology strategies and operational plans

• Develop and execute portfolio intellectual property (IP) approach with legal team

• Ensure there are standard processes to capture and digitize all R&D activities

• Develop a strong external network to determine the latest trends and developments from a technology perspective (i.e. industry associations and educational programs and by attending relevant trade shows/conferences)

• Develop and sustain customer and supplier relationships critical to the long-term success of the business

• Participate in M&A activities including initial scouting, due diligence, investment thesis discussions and integration

• Implement best practices to enhance production efficiencies, reduce costs, and improve quality control.

Personal Attributes and Experience

• Proven experience as an R&D leader who has developed their team

• Proven ability to collaborate across functions, particularly with operations to scale solutions and business teams

• Understanding of coatings formulation and coating processes (preferably UV, EB and sputter coatings on substrates like aluminum, wood, vinyl, glass and acrylic).

• Ability to provide guidance regarding product lifecycles and next generation materials

• Strong new product development and commercialization experience

• Knowledge of technological trends to build strategy

• Ability to conduct technological analyses and research

• Strong communication skills

• Data driven and solution oriented

• Delivering outcomes within budget

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and BatchMaster formulation software

Additional Qualifications

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in chemistry or engineering

• Minimum 10 years industry experience

Travel Requirements

• 30-40% travel for visits to other lab and plant locations in USA or abroad as needed and for tradeshows, prospect or customer visits, etc.

Apogee and our brands are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.