Saint-Gobain - Amherst, NY
posted about 2 months ago
The Product Development Manager at Saint-Gobain is a pivotal role responsible for overseeing the planning, directing, managing, and coordinating of product and process research development activities. This position is crucial for identifying and procuring commercially viable technologies and materials that will drive growth within the company. The focus of the projects will be on developing processes, products, and applications that meet market and customer needs, as well as creating new processes for more economical or sustainable production of existing products. The Product Development Manager will provide technical expertise and direction to align with Boron Nitride's strategic goals and will manage the global R&D portfolio, which includes activities in the US, Europe, and China. In this role, the Product Development Manager will serve as the subject matter expert for customer interactions and co-development with partners. They will also provide technical services and support to various departments including Marketing, Manufacturing, and Quality. The position requires a high degree of independence, with limited direction from the R&D Director and the General Manager for Boron Nitride. Although this role does not currently have direct reports, it is anticipated that the Product Development Manager will eventually manage a Product Development Engineer and/or R&D Technician, providing them with direction, support, and development opportunities. The responsibilities include developing improved manufacturing practices and process capabilities, supporting process engineering to solve problems, and evaluating designs and specifications. The manager will also be responsible for the feasibility of producing new products on a production scale and ensuring a smooth transition from lab to pilot to production scale. The role involves maintaining technical competence and staying informed on new developments in materials and process technology, as well as managing technical aspects of patent and licensing activities. The position requires strong project management skills, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.