Siding Products Group (SPG) is looking for driven, talented, and experienced R&D Group Leader to join our current team in conducting research, developing technical base, and material processing strategy for current and future research within the group. Projects will focus on improvement of processes, performance and product development activities related to SPG’s extensive product line.

As an R&D Group Leader, the candidate will be expected to effectively leads cross functional teams by managing others to execute and deliver project objectives. The candidate will be expected to oversee R&D project portfolio in the areas of materials processing, equipment set up, trouble shooting process inefficiencies and ensuring process control, collaborate effectively with R&D colleagues, product managers, product engineers, application engineers and external customers, create and execute project plans, design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and present findings in written and oral formats. Candidate is also expected to play a role in proposing projects and programs vital to the R&D direction of the group. Further the candidate with be responsible for developing direct reports and others within group.

Utilizes broad technical background and experience to develop and/or improve products, processes, and performance and/or reduce costs using state of the art extrusion, injection molding and hot-pressing processes. Collaborates with engineering, plant process and other R&D teams on process improvement, raw material usage and new equipment commissioning. Promotes SPG’s sustainability efforts through alignment of projects with business needs and expectations. Stays aware of new technology applications and competitive uses of same in work with materials, products, and processes, and in development of new knowledge and applies this to personal research/ products. Develops a community of researchers connected to process R&D projects and leverage for flow of info. Provides scientific leadership to associates and colleagues throughout the R&D community. Manages and/or leads a portfolio of multiple projects simultaneously, on time, well documented and within budget to meet business and customer objectives. Demonstrates open and collaborative approach in all areas of responsibility. Seeks out others to enhance and streamline development and decision making. Able to communicate technically with internal competencies, university collaborators and customers and utilize knowledge to advance projects and identify productive synergies. Required to develop assigned employees and self to fullest potential. Takes decision on IP in agreement with upper management and business. Is seen as a technical leader by others. Understands Gate Process methodology/ideology and utilizes and incorporates it in research projects. Be able to fill in standard deliverables for project management through interactions with internal contacts outside of R&D. Holds team and group accountable for following gate methodology for any projects R&D group is responsible for.