S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.

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Manager, Research & Development (R&D) - North America Home Fragrance Air Care (Finance)



SC JOHNSON IS A FIFTH-GENERATION FAMILY COMPANY BUILT ON THE SPIRIT OF OUR PEOPLE. We have been leading with purpose for over 130 years, building iconic brands that win the hearts and minds of consumers - such as Raid®, Glade®, Ziploc® and more, in virtually every country around the world. Together, we are creating a better future - for the planet, for future generations and for every SCJ team member. Join our winning team of Wave Makers and Go Getters and help us write the next chapter in the SCJ story.

ABOUT THE ROLE

SC Johnson is searching for a Research & Development (R&D) Manager to join the North America home fragrance air care team. This position will lead and direct a technical team of at least 7 direct reports that focus on aerosols and small spaces products. This Manager will drive the growth aspirations for NA Home Fragrance while supporting the current business and navigating the evolving regulatory environment in alignment with SCJ Strategy. This Manager will report to the Director, R&D.

As the leader of this technical team, this position plays a crucial role in driving growth and relevance in a market at a pivotal moment in time. This role both manages our current businesses while supporting new business opportunities and manages and develops your technical direct reports. You will foster creativity in teams from idea conception to launch, collaborating closely with marketing, supply chain and insights.

To be successful in this role, you will need to understand consumer-packaged goods, consumer behaviors, market dynamics as well as embrace and advocate to drive new behaviors and ways of working including the utilization of digital tools.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Thinking:

  • Roadmap: Manage the technical elements of Large Auto Aerosol, Instant Action Aerosol, Small Spaces forms, delivering advantaged solutions that drive business results and continuous growth. Manage a rolling 0-5-year pipeline of product development opportunities and a robust technology roadmap for each.
  • Influence: Effectively develop a technology portfolio strategy for Large Auto Aerosol, Instant Action Aerosol, Small Spaces by identifying key problems to solve, addressing Jobs to be Done (JTBD), and establishing a vision for change. Influence product development to address these areas and influence marketing partners in understanding project risks and tradeoffs to drive the business forward
  • Holistic Understanding: Drive a comprehensive understanding of the product assortment within the context of consumers, the category, customers, regulatory, sustainability, global supply chain and the company.
  • Strategic Recommendations: Make strategic recommendations for innovation, technology and project decisions based on this understanding grounded in consumer experience and JTBD as supported by the overall brand strategy and balanced by business context such as regulatory environment, Geopolitical supply, etc.
  • Collaboration: Drive alignment and enrollment to a course of action among key cross-functional peers in R&D, Commercial Marketing, Global Product Supply (GPS), and Finance.
  • Consumer: Understand key JTBD, consumer segmentation and apply appropriately to maintain and enhance the product consumer relevance and value. Ensure project objectives and execution are aligned to those key consumer elements.
  • Execution: Provide project prioritization, develop and execute cost-savings, and other technically driven product changes; deliver commitments within budget and aligned timing expectations.

Technical Team:

  • Talent Management: Attract and retain talent while fostering a performance-driven culture. Develop those in reporting organization through training opportunities, coaching, and performance management practices including conducting annual performance reviews, management succession, and development activities.
  • Team: Build an engaged team with the required functional skill sets that understands their roles and responsibilities in delivering SCJ business objectives; demonstrate behaviors that reflect SCJ Success Drivers and establish a "Mindset to Win" culture in R&D category team.
  • Ensure project staffing with the right capability and resources (people, tools, equipment, and budget) to drive business results.

Technical Oversight:

  • Technical Leadership: Demonstrate strong influence, strategic thinking and leadership in technical areas of responsibility
  • Idea Testing: Evaluate new product or service ideas in an iterative model with speed ahead of investing significant resources.
  • Prototypes and Mockups: Work with team to create prototypes, mockups, or detailed descriptions of product concept(s).
  • Feedback Collection: Seek and incorporate feedback from consumers, retailers, and stakeholders into product design.
  • Iterative Process: Based on feedback, concepts are refined, adjusted, or discarded, ensuring that the final product aligns with needs and expectations.
  • Tools Utilization: Proficiency in data analysis and innovation frameworks (e.g. Design Thinking, Agile, Sensory Science - Product Guidance). Apply digital tools, including AI, to optimize efficiency and robustness jointly.
  • R&D skills: Demonstrate strong R&D functional skills, including effective communication, financial acumen, integrated risk management, technical project management, quality, robustness, regulation & safety, scientific rigor, and technical curiosity.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE YOU'LL BRING

  • Bachelor's degree in science or engineering and with 8+ years of progressive R&D experience in CPG or closely related industry, OR a master's degree in science or engineering with 6+ years of relevant experience.
  • 4+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, supply chain, and/or R&D in a variety of product categories.
  • 4+ years of experience to interface, lead, and build relationships with multiple levels and functions internal and external to organization.
  • 2+ years of experience in new product launches, contract manufacturing, and financial analysis as it relates to operations.
  • Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCES AND SKILLS

  • Master's Degree in Engineering or Business.
  • 3+ years of people management experience.
  • Able to develop strategic plans for long-term value improvement while also possessing the ability to Drive for Results in the short term.
  • Clear and concise communication/collaboration skills.
  • Ability to influence and motivate non-direct reports and promote collaboration.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate in a complex, non-structured environment.
  • Ability to build cohesiveness and trust within the team, balanced with the judgment that you can make the right decisions and commitment to deliver what is promised.
  • Key attributes for success: creativity, adaptability, persuasiveness, perseverance, strategic thinking, high degree of initiative, excellent problem-solving skills, cross-cultural/ global perspective, negotiating skills, and influencing skills.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

  • This position will be located at Sam's campus in Mt. Pleasant.
  • Position is Full-Time, r egular business hours, Monday-Friday .
  • Remote work is available once a week for eligible employees.
  • Occasional travel
  • This role is eligible for domestic or international relocation.

Inclusion & Diversity

We're a global business, with people from every culture, ethnicity, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age and ability. We recognize the breadth of human experience, and we work to celebrate it. It is our goal to build a diverse, inclusive and supportive work environment where all people can thrive.

We're committed to ongoing efforts that help us attract, hire, and retain diverse talent who want to build a positive, inclusive environment. Read more about our ongoing initiatives at https://jobs.scjohnson.com/inclusion .

Better Together

At SC Johnson, we strive to create a positive, inclusive and unique workplace. We strongly believe SCJ people are able to achieve their best when they can collaborate and work together in person.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The policy of the Company is to ensure equal opportunity for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, gender identity, gender expression, disability, citizenship, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in any active or reserve component of the U.S. or state military forces, genetic history or information or any other category protected by law.

Accommodation Requests

If you are an individual with a disability and you need an accommodation or other assistance during the application process, please call our Human Resources department at 262-260-3343 or email your request to SCJHR@scj.com . All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Download the EEO is the Law poster for more information. Apply

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