Company Description

Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY) is a global materials science and digital identification solutions company. We are Making Possible™ products and solutions that help advance the industries we serve, providing branding and information solutions that optimize labor and supply chain efficiency, reduce waste, advance sustainability, circularity and transparency, and better connect brands and consumers. We design and develop labeling and functional materials, radio frequency identification (RFID) inlays and tags, software applications that connect the physical and digital, and offerings that enhance branded packaging and carry or display information that improves the customer experience. Serving industries worldwide — including home and personal care, apparel, general retail, e-commerce, logistics, food and grocery, pharmaceuticals and automotive — we employ approximately 35,000 employees in more than 50 countries. Our reported sales in 2024 were $8.8 billion. Learn more at www.averydennison.com

At Avery Dennison, some of the great benefits we provide are:

Health & Wellness benefits starting on day 1 of employmentPaid parental leave401K eligibilityTuition reimbursementEmployee Assistance Program eligibility / Health AdvocatePaid vacation and Paid holidays

Job Description

Avery Dennison seeks a creative, collaborative, and experienced R&D Manager with a background in materials R&D to join our Materials Group—North America R&D business in Mentor, Ohio.

The Sr. R&D Manager for Specialty & Durables will spearhead the innovation strategy for these product lines to deliver business growth. This role involves overseeing the execution of short- and mid-term product development projects from inception through commercialization, identifying long-range innovation opportunities, aligning with cross-functional teams on strategic direction, and directing product re-engineering efforts to maintain our competitive leadership.

To excel, the ideal candidate will foster technical mastery within their team, strategically leverage our technical talent, and cultivate an innovative culture aligned with our values. This position requires effective engagement with marketing, manufacturing, global technical teams, suppliers, and customers. Serving as a key thought partner to the VP of R&D for North America, this leader will also drive critical functional initiatives. Success is achieved through a strong background in technical product development, application of critical thinking and data-driven decision making, a growth mindset that embraces digitalization, intellectual curiosity with an external focus, a customer-centric approach, and the ability to influence and collaborate across organizational boundaries.

Leading a team of product development scientists and engineers, the Sr. R&D Manager will manage the project portfolio and resources to meet business objectives and foster cross-functional partnerships to ensure team success. As a vital member of the R&D leadership team, this individual will contribute to shaping and executing regional and global R&D strategies, and connecting with worldwide colleagues to leverage the full strength of our global R&D capabilities in support of business goals. This role demands a leader who can engage in strategic portfolio management, develop and empower their team, build strong working relationships, and consistently deliver impactful results.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

Partner with Product Management and other functions to develop and drive the innovation strategy for the Specialty and Durables product lines, and create and execute product and technology roadmaps aligned to the strategy.

Work with technology development teams to ensure timely technology deployment in the region. Provide oversight of complex and sometimes global projects.

Use industry trends and customer needs to create actionable goals that create competitive advantage.

Drive continuous improvement in our development process in Specialty and Durables to make it more nimble and faster by working with our manufacturing sites and understanding risk versus rewards, in order to improve our speed to market and respond to customers quickly.

Prioritize and allocate resources to align with the business needs for both the short and long term, achieving a balance between product growth, re-engineering, business continuity and quality initiatives.  Ensure project execution to achieve performance targets while meeting timing and budget constraints.

Develop a team of product engineers to deliver on the business goals, and build future leaders through thoughtful succession planning. Includes mentoring, knowledge sharing and coaching in areas including sustainable product development, project management, insight generation, digital fluency, scientific rigor, and intellectual property management.

Perform  management duties, exercising usual authority concerning staff, performance appraisals, promotions and terminations.  Ensuring safe and consistent work practices among the team.

Drive functional initiatives in alignment with global and regional organizational strategies. 

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in polymer science, material science, chemical engineering or a comparable field is required. MS degree is highly desired. PhD degree preferred. 

9+ years engineering, research, scientific or related experience, with supervisory or lead experience is required.

Strong scientific and engineering knowledge, preferably in coatings, adhesives or pressure sensitive materials.

Project leadership experience required.

Prior experience leading technical teams in cross-functional product development efforts is preferred.

Demonstrated understanding and skills in project and innovation portfolio management and waterfall stage gate process.

Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, ISO or related experience preferred.

Experience with Google Docs or Microsoft Office and the ability to navigate the digital world with the ability to use AI responsibly.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Strong math, analytical and critical thinking skills.

Strong organization and attention to detail.

Strong scientific/engineering knowledge & skills.

Travel availability up to 10% of the time.

Additional Information

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected status. EEOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Reasonable Accommodations Notice

If you require accommodations to view or apply for a job, alternative methods are available to submit an application. Please contact (440) 534-6000 or [email protected] to discuss reasonable accommodations.