Director of Research and Development

Douglas Products

1550 East Old 210 Highway, Liberty, MO 64068

Tel 800 223 3684

www.douglasproducts.com

POSITION DESCRIPTION AND CANDIDATE SPECIFICATIONS

POSITION: Director of Research and Development

REPORTS TO: Vice President of Regulatory Affairs

COMPENSATION: An attractive compensation and benefits package will be offered to the successful candidate.

LOCATION: Contiguous United States – (Remote)

THE COMPANY: Douglas Products has pioneered manufacturing and marketing specialty products, focusing on high-quality brands in the global agriculture production and structural pest control markets for over 100 years. With a legacy built on partnership, innovation, and expertise, we are the market leader in structural fumigation, offering unparalleled dry wood termite control solutions through our flagship product, Vikane® fumigant. Additionally, as the manufacturer and sole provider of ProFume® commodities and food processing fumigant, we ensure food safety across the supply chain. Our commitment to quality, stewardship, and regulatory excellence drives our mission to protect and enhance business value for our customers worldwide.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Director of Research and Development (R&D) is vital in driving innovation and strategic growth within Douglas Products. This position is responsible for leading and managing the R&D initiatives, particularly focusing on pest management solutions. The incumbent will oversee the Field Scientist Team, ensuring the successful execution of research protocols, project management, and technical expertise. Additionally, the Director of R&D will actively contribute as a working manager, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to advance our R&D objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead and manage all aspects of R&D projects, including protocol development, resource allocation, data analysis, budget oversight, and final report summarization.

Provide technical input and analysis to inform project decision-making processes, leveraging expertise in entomology, agronomy, and product application.

Conduct critical review and evaluation of new and proposed regulatory requirements, incorporating existing information and industry best practices.

Review and approve content developed by R&D, Commercial, and Regulatory personnel for external release, ensuring accuracy and alignment with company standards.

Offer technical support by developing or reviewing responses to inquiries from commercial, customer, and consumer channels, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards and company objectives.

Develop technical content for diverse delivery platforms to address new technologies, regulatory changes, and market expansions, catering to internal and external stakeholders.

Collaborate with external contractors/researchers to develop testing protocols, monitor studies, and present findings to stakeholders.

Lead stewardship efforts by developing and revising training programs and delivering training sessions on new technologies, regulations, and markets.

Revise existing and develop new product labels and manuals to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and market needs.

Proactively engage with internal and external stakeholders to achieve project goals, enhance collaboration, and identify opportunities for innovation.

Author research and technical publications for submissions to peer-reviewed journals, scientific proceedings, and regulatory agencies.

Effectively develop and manage the annual budget for R&D activities, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and financial targets.

Identify and implement process improvements to optimize internal workflows, enhance productivity, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Stay updated with relevant scientific and technical advancements through continuous learning, participation in professional events, engaging with key external researchers as needed, and networking within the industry.

Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Director of R&D will have detailed supervisory responsibilities, including:

Leading and managing the Field Scientist Team, providing guidance, support, and mentorship to team members.

Developing and implementing professional development plans for R&D employees, identifying training needs, and facilitating opportunities for skill enhancement and career advancement.

Conducting regular performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback, and recognizing achievements.

Ensuring compliance with company policies, procedures, and safety standards within the R&D team.

Develop and maintain processes for managing work assignments within the R&D group, optimizing productivity and workflow efficiency.

Establish and maintain onboarding and training programs for new R&D employees, ensuring comprehensive orientation and skill development.

Implement a reporting process to communicate the status of R&D work to internal stakeholders, providing regular updates on project milestones and outcomes.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate the following:

Demonstrated leadership experience with a track record of successfully managing complex projects and leading teams of employees with advanced science degrees.

Excellent project management skills, capable of operating in a fast-paced environment and meeting deadlines amid competing priorities.

Strong communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of the organization.

Ability to operate with minimal supervision and adapt to changing environments and priorities.

Proficiency in various computer programs, including Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and statistical analysis tools.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Required: Ph.D. in Entomology, Agronomy, or related field.

Required: Prior experience working in agricultural R&D, focusing on pest management solutions.

Preferred: Experience working with fumigants.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS:

Familiarity with structural or commodity fumigation and associated equipment is highly desirable, specifically for controlling stored product pests.

POSITION AND EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

Full-time salaried position.

Work hours frequently extend beyond an 8-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek.

Evening, late night, and weekend hours may be occasionally required.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to travel long distances via plane or automobile required.

Ability to travel up to 35-45% of time required.

Overnight travel required.

Ability to travel within and outside the United States is required.

TIMING:

We are looking to fill the position immediately.

CONTACT:

If you have any questions or are interested in applying for the position, please contact Joni Gentry at careers@douglasproducts.com and provide a cover letter and a complete CV.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

The Company’s policy provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. The Company does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, family care status, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws. When necessary, the Company also makes reasonable accommodations for disabled employees and for pregnant employees who request an accommodation, with the advice of their health care providers, for pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

The Company prohibits sexual harassment and the harassment of any individual on any other basis listed above.