R&D Director

Do you love leading teams and creating new products? Our client, an innovative developer of tools for HVACR technicians, is growing and hiring a Research & Development (R&D) Director to drive innovation, operational efficiency, and effective vendor collaboration. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of experience in an R&D leadership role and is strategic, collaborative, empathetic, and decisive. You've led technological advancements and product evolution and understand the talent, processes, and partnerships required to be successful. They're building a new office in Heber, UT and you'll manage the current team in Orange, CA while building an additional team in Utah. Recognized as a Best Places to Work in SoCal in 2023 , our client offers excellent benefits including a flexible work schedule with two days' work-from-home, and a hire to retire philosophy that encourages employee development. As the R&D Director, you'll spend most of your time with: Innovation and Product Development: Lead and drive innovation initiatives to develop cutting-edge technologies and products aligned with the organization's strategic objectives. Foster a culture of creativity and forward-thinking, encouraging cross-functional collaboration and idea sharing. Operational Efficiency: Implement and optimize R&D processes for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery of high-quality products. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to streamline operations and improve productivity within the R&D department. Vendor Collaboration: Cultivate strong relationships with vendors and external partners, fostering collaborative partnerships to enhance product development, sourcing, and manufacturing processes. Negotiate contracts and agreements that ensure mutually beneficial outcomes and support the organization's goals. Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive R&D strategy aligned with the company's overall vision and growth objectives. Provide strategic guidance and mentorship to R&D teams, ensuring alignment with the organization's strategic goals and long-term vision. Leadership and Empathy: Demonstrate a leadership approach that is empathetic, understanding, and focused on employee growth and well-being. Make timely and well-informed decisions, utilizing a decisive leadership style while considering the impact on the team and organization. Experience and skills required for success: Bachelor's degree in engineering, technology, or a related field. 5+ years of proven experience in a senior R&D leadership role, preferably within engineering, devices, tools, or similar industry. Strong knowledge of innovation processes, product development methodologies, and operational efficiency strategies. Exceptional collaboration and negotiation skills with the ability to build and maintain successful relationships with vendors and partners. Demonstrated ability to think strategically and execute initiatives that drive business growth and innovation. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with a focus on empathy and decisiveness. Ability to travel between offices as well as trips nationally and internationally to suppliers. Excellent benefits! Matching 401k up to 4% with immediate vesting. Healthcare premiums are covered at 80% for you and your family with HSA and FSA options. Supplemental Term Life, Employee Assistance Programs (EAD), and more. Hire to Retire philosophy that includes personal career development plans. Bonuses based on company and personal performance. The annual base salary range for this role is currently $170,000 - $220,000 plus bonus. Pay scales are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of several factors that that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and pay relative to other team members. We can share more information about our bonus program and benefits during the hiring process. EOE AA M/F/Veteran/Disability #J-18808-Ljbffr