Manufacturing R&D Process Manager

Company Background

Gemline is an award-winning, design-centric supplier of high-quality branded consumer products to the promotional products industry. Gemline is ranked as the 10th largest industry supplier by the Advertising Specialty Institute and was named the 2021 Supplier of the Year. The Company’s product line consists of a wide range of bags, luggage, business accessories, drinkware, electronics, stationery, writing instruments, gourmet foods and gifts. In addition to its strong portfolio of house brands and Gemline-branded products, the Company offers other high-quality retail brands such as American Tourister®, Anker®, Corkcicle®, Cuisinart®, Igloo®, MiiR®, Modern Sprout®, Moleskine®, New Balance®, Osprey®, Paper Mate®, Parker®, Waterman®, Samsonite®, Sharpie®, Slowtide® and W&P®.

On multiple occasions, and as recent as 2022, Gemline has received the honor of being recognized as a Great Place to Work by PPB, a leading industry publication. Gemline’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts are focused on making a positive impact on society through environmental stewardship, ethical business practices, charitable giving and diversity, equity and inclusion leadership. Providing an exceptional customer experience to all customers is the Company’s number one priority! Every associate has a role in delivering that experience through Gemline’s foundational values of trust, integrity, humility, diversity, community and truth. The Company’s success is driven by its associates’ success – “Pride in People, Pride in Product.” Gemline’s culture is filled with collaboration, initiative, engagement, continuous problem solving, strong value for safety and respect for people.

If interested in this position, please forward your credentials to: skamacho@gemline.com

We are looking for a Manufacturing R&D Process Manager:

Accountability Objective:

Direct all activity related to the discovery and/or enhancement of decoration techniques. This will include all interactions with vendors and support functions. Coordinate all communication interdepartmentally to insure fulfillment of all requirements in a timely manner. Develop and provide a training plan for all individuals as it relates to the entire production process.

Key Responsibilities:

· Serve as the in-house expert for all decoration techniques.

· Serve as the bridge between Manufacturing and Product management/Design.

· Identify improvement opportunities in production processes using lean and continuous improvement methods.

· Manage new material decoration testing.

· Develop innovative decoration techniques required to exceed customer expectations.

· Develop manufacturing costs for new decoration techniques.

· Evaluate new item handling requirements and associated costs.

· Evaluate all contract supplier capabilities both domestic and non-domestic.

· Work with distributors and manufacturers when dealing with new products and decorating equipment.

· Train associates in all areas as required to understand new techniques, technology, or decoration methods.

· Monitor social media and competitors for new decoration methods and capabilities.

Maintain a safe environment.
Establish a balance between increased productivity and reduced cost of manufacturing operations.
Motivate, support, and assist Manufacturing teams.
Implement methods or practices to reduce waste.
Prepare Manufacturing Capex Budget by identify deco gaps, replacement needs, developing ROI’s and negotiating costs based on feedback/direction from Production Managers.
Facilitate CI events and training on all 3 shifts.
In peak periods provide additional leadership and support with Manufacturing cells as directed.
Other Duties as Assigned.

Requirements/Qualifications:

· Demonstrated knowledge of Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement.

· Influential collaborator who builds highly productive and respectful relationships across all levels of the organization as well with external partners.

· Must work with other departments as needed to accomplish common goals.

· Strong problem solving, analytical and technical aptitude.

· Must be detailed oriented.

· Travel as needed to fulfill job responsibilities.

· Good communication skills – English required, Spanish preferred but not required.

· Ability to develop creative, executable ideas and strategies.

· Must be able to work in fast-paced environment and be able to balance multiple priorities.

· Proficient with Microsoft office experience as well as ERP/Warehouse Management System Experience.

Education and/or Experience Requirements: