Careers

Director of Research and Development

Wausau

posted on 3/1/2022


Position Summary

Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Company, Inc. is recognized throughout the industry as a leader in the manufacturing of custom, superior quality windows and doors that can be found in some of the most visionary residences and commercial projects in North America. We are currently seeking a Director of Research and Development.  Reporting to the President, the Director of Research and Development is a hands-on management role responsible for the design, engineering, testing, implementation, collaboration, and maintenance of existing and new products through their development and production lifecycle.

This position carries with it the responsibility to mentor team members and grow their capabilities and level of contributions to the organization. In addition, this role requires building strong cross functional partnerships with the company’s innovation team, procurement, operations, quality, finance, and the business leads in order to drive the organization’s product value proposition, while meeting the business goals of the overall company.

Responsibilities

1. Provide the operational development for new products for commercialization while measuring and monitoring the progress from project approval through go-to-market.

2. Assure the technical, regulatory, and commercial feasibility of new products, or product improvements, acknowledging all stakeholders’ requirements.

3. It is expected that assessments and upgrades, as appropriate, to the designs and operations of the products will be completed and initiated on a regular basis to reflect the future needs of our customers and our business.

4. Set the standard of quality of work regarding requirements, engineering, architecture, testing, product robustness, aesthetics, and ease of use.

5. Create, maintain, refine, and enforce processes and procedures that guide the product development process to support company objectives.

6. Provide oversight of all project timelines and ensure progress is on or ahead of schedule through organized meetings and resource coordination.

7. Collaborate with other departments to ensure department output adequately supports their needs and requirements.

8. Protect and maintain intellectual property on behalf of the organization.

9. Manage staff performance and other human resource matters.

10. Follow company policies, procedures, and safety regulations.

11. All other duties, as assigned.


The Director of Research and Development typically requires a combination of leadership, project management, technical experience, creativity, proven ability to meet or exceed development targets, and manage fiscal and budgetary requirements. This role requires the following:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or in a related field

2. Preferably 10-15 years of progressive experience in Research and Development and Innovation within the Fenestration Industry

3. Significant experience leading teams in the delivery of Research and Development/Innovation product initiatives including processes and cost improvement, in addition to having the ability to adapt to accelerate the performance of Research and Development groups.

 

3. Preferred experience and knowledge of manufacturing operations and quality standards

 

4. Demonstrated success in the delivery of NPD requirements around production, quality, process, and cost improvement.

5. Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with both internal business functions, external suppliers, and customers.

6. Demonstrated efficient work methods and ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

7. Must have strong analytical skills and the ability to prepare proposals, create trend analysis and benchmarking reports, and understand basic statistical techniques.


Please apply using our Online Form

Apply Now

Or, you may apply by U.S. mail:
Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork, Co., Inc.
ATTN: Human Resources
1323 South 11th Ave.
Wausau, WI 54401

Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork, Co., Inc. is committed to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of their race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability/handicap, sexual preference, etc. We base our hiring, upgrading, transfer, selection for training opportunities, wages and salary structure on the basis of performance and attitude, skill and experience, attendance, ambition, energy and aptitude.

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