PURPOSE

The Director of Research & Concept Development is responsible for developing new product programs, supporting the Brand through technical analysis and product enhancements, and helping grow new product revenue through retail studies that help drive account and product directives for new channel/department development. This position also hires, develops, and mentors talent, consistently evaluating and communicating employee performance metrics.

POSITION ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE FOLLOWING KEY RESULTS

• Perform essential job duties while upholding the Company’s Mission & Guiding Principles.

• Develop and maintain an exceptional knowledge and understanding of brands, consumer base, competitors, trends, colors, and technology.

• Lead consumer understanding to identify unmet consumer needs, market whitespace, and licensing opportunities for iLoveToCreate.

• Ensure a steady stream of significantly new product programs, competitive insights, and technical analysis is available for consideration/implementation.

• Drive market research initiatives validating and prioritizing new product concepts.

• Establish the iLoveToCreate’s long-term product roadmap in partnership with Brand and VP of Product Development and Marketing to deliver consistent growth.

• Responsible for leading new concept development for all brands and identifying strategies that support revenue and channel goals outlined in our Strategic Imperatives.

• Develop departmental resource plans to support key objectives, new product development, and technical and business initiatives.

• Collaborate with Brand and Operations to ensure product design, packaging, and merchandising displays for new programs are ready for sales presentations.

• Lead the Research & Development team and establish performance standards through active involvement with each team member, providing the tools, metrics, and resources for success.

• Hold individuals and teams accountable to outlined performance standards (TDO).

• Collaborate with outside inventors to bring fresh ideas to the organization.

• Explore ongoing cost and performance improvements for existing products.

• Prepare the Brand team concerning new product concepts highlighting consumer insights, value propositions, competitive advantages, and product features.

• Execute all other duties assigned to support the future growth and success of iLoveToCreate.

• Due to business needs, this job profile is subject to change with/without advance notice.

TEAM LEADER EXPECTATIONS (ONLY APPLICABLE FOR TEAM LEADER POSITIONS)

• Advocate the iLTC culture within your team of direct reports, and set an example of appropriate behavior in your partnership with peers.

• Ensure cross-functional projects and deliverables arrive in a timely and complete manner.

• Oversee the team’s workflow, compliance with Company policies, and participation within the designated HRIS system.

• Facilitate department(s) budgets and team labor allocations.

TALENT PROFILE

• Seven plus (7) years of forward-looking innovation, product, or process development experience is required. Prior Research & Development (R&D) managerial experience is preferred.

• Ability to understand the iLTC brand portfolio and uphold its integrity.

• Experience in consumer goods marketing.

• Solid creative or technical skill set.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Strong analytical skills with P&L experience.

• Strong relationship-building skills, both internally and externally.

• Disciplined organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple short-term and long-term projects with exceptional attention to detail.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to build a powerful team focused on growth.

BEHAVIORS AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Must think “Big Picture” and see all impacts of a decision.

• Must have the ability to lead, motivate, and inspire team members.

• Must work well under pressure and be flexible.

• Must be self-motivated and energetic.

• Must be responsible and accountable.

• Must be a team player.

• Must be able to accept and deliver instruction.

• Must be creative.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• A college degree in Business Administration or similar field is required, MBA is an added benefit.

• Craft or craft-related experience and 10-15 years of Product Development, Lab Experience, or Channel Marketing is desirable.

• Knowledge of the new product development process, consumer behavior, advertising, marketing research, retail management and merchandising, promotional practices, and manufacturing operations is required.

COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND/OR EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, MACHINES

• MS Office Suite

• G Suite

• Workfront

• Portfolio

• Infor/IDF/BI

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and reach above/below shoulder level.

• Occasionally required to lift/carry/push up to 40 lbs., repetitively use both hands/arms/shoulders, forward bending/stooping, light grasping, and fine dexterity of both hands—the ability to participate in a team lift for any lifting necessary over 40 lbs.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

• iLoveToCreate is committed to the highest safety standards. The responsibilities of the position include compliance with all federal and state safety regulations and procedures, as well as understanding and applying all safety policies per the iLoveToCreate Safety Manual and the Company’s Injury Illness & Prevent Program (IIPP).

“Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. iLoveToCreate is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you are excited about this role, but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the candidate for this or other roles.”

Visa sponsorship for this role is not available.

Primary Work Location HYBRID

Pay Band EIII (Exempt) BI-WEEKLY PAY RATE

MIN MID MAX

$3,846.15/BI-WEEKLY $4,423.08/BI-WEEKLY $5,000.00/BI-WEEKLY

iLoveToCreate is an equal opportunity employer, iLoveToCreate does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Fresno, CA 93727: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Market research: 10 years (Required)
• Project management: 10 years (Required)
• Business consulting: 10 years (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Fresno, CA 93727

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