Senior Research & Development Manager

Description

Kerecis seeks a Senior Research & Development Manager to perform several important roles as part of

the Research & Development (R&D) team. 

The Manager is responsible for researching, planning and implementing new programs and protocols,

which includes management of product development projects under the Company’s Quality Management

System (QMS).

This role requires a thorough understanding of QMS requirements generally and also of the Kerecis QMS,

Design Control Procedure and Product Development Process. Active participation from the ideation phase

to manufacturing and launch are required.

Additionally, within the managed product development projects, the SRDM is required to keep track of all

costs related to the creation of new products and contribute to the evaluation of ideas/concepts to be

pursued.

The Manager will be expected to maintain subject matter expertise relevant to the Company’s products and

remain informed on what is happening in the research and development field at large to make sure the

Company is up-to-date and current with the most advanced R&D developments.

This full-time position is located in the Minneapolis, Minnesota, facility and reports to the Senior Vice President of

Research & Development (SVR&D).

Responsibilities

The Manager must use creative abilities and research methods to improve existing products based on

industry trends and develop new products to meet the needs of the company’s target market. This role

reports on any technical product issues that are discovered during evaluation and manages product

testing and trials, assessing the materials used, the efficiency of the process and the effectiveness of the

final product.

• Lead key projects within the PDP process to support business goals
• Develop research programs incorporating current developments to improve existing products and study the potential of new products
• Understand customer expectations on to-be manufactured products
• Determine and execute improved technologies used by suppliers, competitors, and customers
• Support departmental leadership in hiring and mentoring junior colleagues in the department
• Establish project goals and priorities by collaborating with Marketing and Operations
• Research, design and evaluate materials, assemblies, processes, and equipment
• Suggest training tools to enhance employee performance and skill development
• Monitor team metrics and objectives ensuring meeting of goals
• Document all phases of research and development
• Manage customer relationships and perform RFP reviews, customer visits, and product testing
• Establish and maintain testing procedures for assessing raw materials, in-process and finished products
• Oversee complex research projects, analyze results and provide recommendations based on findings
• Assess the scope of research projects and ensure they are on time and within budget
• Be present at industry conferences on research topics of interest
• Other duties as assigned

Competencies

• Strong sense of creativity
• Problem-solving skills
• Attention to details
• Proven leadership and managerial skills
• Ability to communicate well with a variety of stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience managing or leading a team
• Ability to multitask efficiently
• Time management
• Sound business sense

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Science, Engineering, Medicine or other the relevant field, doctoral degree preferred
• 3-5 years of relevant medical industry experience
• Proven experience in a relevant role

Anticipated travel: 10%

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time. Kerecis is an equal opportunity employer.