Manager, R & D

SC JOHNSON IS A FIFTH-GENERATION FAMILY COMPANY BUILT ON THE SPIRIT OF OUR PEOPLE. We have been leading with purpose for over 130 years, building iconic brands that win the hearts and minds of consumers – such as Raid®, Glade®, Ziploc® and more, in virtually every country around the world. Together, we are creating a better future – for the planet, for future generations and for every SCJ team member. Join our winning team of Wave Makers and Go Getters and help us write the next chapter in the SCJ story.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As the Manager, RD&E- PISO in Air Care, you will lead a team of direct reports to drive the growth aspirations of Home Fragrance focused primarily on Plug-in Scented Oils (PISO). PISO represents half of the total Home Fragrance net sales in North America and is twice the net sales of any other product form in the category, and as such PISO is critical to the success of the business and a primary focus in the upcoming growth roadmaps. While growing our PISO business we have plans to address sustainability areas through move to glass packaging and paperboard outer packaging.

As the leader of the PISO team, you will play a crucial role in driving growth and relevance in a very competitive market. You will explore new opportunities outside of our base business while managing and developing a group of technical employees. You will foster creativity on teams from idea conception to launch, collaborating closely with marketing, supply chain and insights. You will have a keen understanding of consumer-packaged goods, market dynamics and consumer behavior along with strong leadership and project management skills.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Thinking and PISO Portfolio Management

• Roadmap: Manage the technical elements of PISO form, delivering superior solutions that drive business results and continuous growth. Manage a rolling 0-5 year activity pipeline of product development opportunities and a robust technology roadmap.

• Influence: Effectively develop a technology portfolio strategy for PISO, taking into consideration clear problems to solves, jobs to be done, establishing vision for change, and influencing product development to deliver against them.

• Holistic Understanding: Drive a comprehensive understanding of the PISO product assortment within the context of consumers, the category, customers, and the company. o Strategic Recommendations: Make strategic recommendations for innovation and technology based on this understanding grounded in consumer experience and Jobs to be Done as supported by the overall brand strategy.

• Collaboration: Drive alignment and enrollment to a course of action among key cross-functional peers in R&D, Commercial Marketing, GPS, and Finance.

• Consumer: Understand key Demand Choice Drivers and Demand Spaces and apply appropriately to maintain and enhance the product consumer relevance and value. Ensure project objectives and execution are aligned to those key consumer elements.

• Execution: Develop and execute cost-savings, project prioritization, and other technically driven product changes; deliver commitments with budget and aligned timing expectations.

2. Technical Team

• Talent Management: Attract and retain talent while fostering a performance-driven culture. Develop those in reporting organization through training opportunities, coaching, and performance management practices including conducting annual performance reviews, management succession, and development activities.

• Team: Build an engaged team with the required functional skill sets that understands their roles and responsibilities in delivering SCJ business objectives; demonstrate behaviors that reflect SCJ Success Drivers and establish a “Mindset to Win” culture in R&D category team.

• Ensure project staffing with the right capability and resources (people, tools, equipment, and budget) to drive business results.

3. Technical Oversight

• Idea Testing: Evaluate new product or service ideas in an iterative model with speed ahead of investing significant resources.

• Prototypes and Mockups: Work with team to create prototypes, mockups, or detailed descriptions of product concept(s).

• Feedback Collection: Seek feedback from potential consumers, industry experts, and stakeholders.

• Iterative Process: Based on feedback, concepts are refined, adjusted, or discarded, ensuring that the final product aligns with consumer needs and expectations.

• Tools Utilization: Proficiency in data analysis, project management tools, and innovation frameworks (e.g. Design Thinking, Agile, Sensory Science- Product Guidance).

• R&D skills: Demonstrate strong R&D functional skills, including effective communication, financial acumen, integrated risk management, project management, quality, robustness, regulation & safety, scientific rigor, and technical curiosity.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE YOU’LL BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering and a minimum of 8 years of experience of progressive RD&E experience in CPG or closely related industry or a master’s degree with 5 years of relevant experience.

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in manufacturing operations, supply chain, and / or RD&E in a variety of product categories.

• Minimum of 4 years of experience to interface, lead, and build relationships with multiple levels and functions internal and external to SCJ.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in new product launches, contract manufacturing, and financial analysis as it relates to operations.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCES AND SKILLS

• Master’s Degree in Engineering or Business.

• Able to develop strategic plans for long-term value improvement while also possessing the ability to Drive for Results in the short term.

• Possess clear and concise communication/collaboration skills.

• Ability to influence and motivate non-direct reports; keep teams working well together.

• Demonstrated ability to operate in a complex, non-structured environment.

• Ability to build cohesiveness and trust within the team, balanced with the judgment that can make the right decisions and commitment to deliver what is promised.

• Demonstrated expertise in Project and/or Portfolio Management processes and practices.

• Possess key attributes including creativity, adaptability, persuasiveness, perseverance, strategic thinking, high degree of initiative, excellent problem-solving skills, cross-cultural/ global perspective, negotiating skills, and influencing skills.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Position is Full-Time, regular business hours, Monday-Friday.

• This role is eligible for domestic or international relocation.

• Office work environment: Remote work available once a week for eligible employees.

• Travel up to 5%.

BENEFITS AND PERKS

 SC Johnson’s total compensation packages are at or above industry levels. In addition to salary, total packages may include bonuses, long-term incentives, matching 401(k) contributions and profit sharing based on company profitability, job level and years of service. As a family company, we’re committed to providing benefits such as subsidized health care plans, maternity/paternity/adoption leave, flexible work arrangements, vacation purchase options, recreation and fitness centers, childcare, counseling services and more.

Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned

at any time with or without notice as assigned by the Manager. The job description does not constitute a contract of employment and the position remains at-will.

Inclusion & Diversity

We’re a global business, with people from every culture, ethnicity, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age and ability. We recognize the breadth of human experience, and we work to celebrate it. It is our goal to build a diverse, inclusive and supportive work environment where all people can thrive.

We’re committed to ongoing efforts that help us attract, hire, and retain diverse talent who want to build a positive, inclusive environment. Read more about our ongoing initiatives at https://jobs.scjohnson.com/inclusion.

Better Together

At SC Johnson, we strive to create a positive, inclusive and unique workplace. We strongly believe SCJ people are able to achieve their best when they can collaborate and work together in person.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The policy of the Company is to ensure equal opportunity for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, gender identity, gender expression, disability, citizenship, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in any active or reserve component of the U.S. or state military forces, genetic history or information or any other category protected by law.

Accommodation Requests

If you are an individual with a disability and you need an accommodation or other assistance during the application process, please call our Human Resources department at 262-260-3343 or email your request to [email protected]. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Download the EEO is the Law poster for more information.