Research and Development Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

Alternate Job Titles: Research & Development Manager

Job Summary

Directs and coordinates company research and development activities including establishing objective or purpose of project, applications that can utilize findings, cost of project, equipment, and human resource requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plans, coordinates, and directs the activities of the company research and development department.
• Reviews and analyzes proposals submitted to determine if benefits derived and possible applications justify expenditures.
• Approves and submits research proposals considered feasible to management for consideration and allocation of funds.
• Develops and implements methods and procedures for monitoring projects such as preparation of records of expenditures and research findings, progress reports, and staff conferences, in order to inform management of current status of each project.
• Negotiates contracts with consulting firms to perform research studies.
• Plans, coordinates, and prioritizes research projects.
• Prepares research budget and list of expenditures needed to complete current and future projects.
• Plans and organizes training activities.
• Evaluates current and procedures and practices for accomplishing improved research and development procedures and practices.
• Recruits, selects, orients, and trains staff.
• Studies and standardizes procedures, prepares work schedules, and expedites workflow.
• Maintains harmony among workers and resolves grievances.
• Prepares annual Budget and controls departmental expenses.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of supervisory and non-supervisory personnel. Carries out leadership responsibilities in accordance with company policies, procedures, safety, and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Master's and/or Bachelor's degree in Mathematics or Science; five to ten years research experience in screen printing, digital imaging, or related research activities; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive presentations on controversial or complex topics to a variety of audiences.

Mathmatical Skills

Ability to comprehend and apply the principles of advanced mathematics and statistical theory. Ability to work with complex mathematical and statistical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. Some independent travel is required.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes, toxic chemicals, and heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.