Manager, Innovation Air Care

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.

As the Manager, Innovation Air Care 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. The ideal candidate will have a keen understanding of consumer-packaged goods, market dynamics and consumer behavior along with strong leadership and project management skills.

Strategic Thinking and Portfolio Management:

• Holistic Understanding: Drive a comprehensive understanding of the Air Care product assortment within the context of consumers, the category, customers, and the company.

• Strategic Recommendations: Make strategic recommendations for innovation based on this understanding grounded in consumer experience and brand Glade that will win in market.

Project Management and Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Project Oversight: Oversee and implement supply/operations-related initiatives, both internally and cross-functionally.

• Liaison Role: Serve as a liaison between the operations department and external partners (i.e. fragrance houses, device manufactures, component suppliers) reporting necessary information to drive the project and influence the leadership team.

Consumer Insight and Concept Validation:

• Consumer Concepts: Write and validate consumer concepts for innovations.

• 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)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage innovation in Air Care portfolio platforms including different forms such as aerosol spray, non-aerosol spray, candles, wax melts, devices, solid diffusion formats without power and future "smart" applications

• Manage external third-party partnerships working with supply chain and legal in bringing innovative solutions to market to serve consumer needs

• Focus on consumer centered innovation relying on astute insight applications

• Responsible for Air Care sustainability leadership

• Manage a team of technical experts including technology and fragrance subject matter experts

• Lead exploration of disruptive technologies and new business models with the potential to drive disproportionate incremental growth or value creation

• Leverage latest demand science capabilities (Jobs To Be Done) to identify underserved demand opportunities in collaboration with Marketing and CIBA

• Consumer first mindset - Translate consumer needs into technical problems to solve. Translate technical solutions into consumer benefits.

• Integrate cross-functional efforts during fuzzy front-end NPD to identify new-to-category options that address underserved demand

• Strong understanding of market research, consumer insights and trend analysis.

• Ensure scientific rigor and thought leadership in product test methodologies to drive competitive advantage and develop product design strategies including use of novel compounds & processes to achieve and maintain superior efficacy.

• Lead and coach Intellectual Property efforts - Provide input and guidance to IP strategy across Air Care.

• Keep abreast of emerging technologies/materials/test methods to build capabilities of our team and.

• Lead/mentor other technical professionals to promote technical curiosity.

• May provide recommendation on budget/resources and apply resources to drive results

• Demonstrate behaviors that reflect SCJ Success Drivers and establish a "Mindset to Win" Culture

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 6 years of relevant experience.

• At least 2 years of experience in CPG innovation workstreams

• Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States

PREFERRED EXPERIENCES AND SKILLS:

• Proven track record of managing innovation projects and successfully launching new products.

• 5 years' experience in leading programs across functions

• Strong collaboration and ability to influence leaders and peers from across RD&E Business Unit's, Commercial Marketing, Global Supply Chain and Finance is key

• Big picture thinking - Dealing with ambiguity by building programs and projects, ability to pivot as market dynamics change.

• Possess strong leadership skills with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with co-workers who are not direct reports

• Ability to think creatively and outside the box and foster an environment of creative problem solving.

• Attention to detail and passion for understanding consumer preferences.

• Possess strong written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate accurately and concisely to all levels within the company

• Possess complex problem analysis and problem-solving skills

• Affinity for fragrance and using fragrance in your home.

• Proven track record of forming external partnerships to drive business results

• Proven program and project management skills

• Ability to understand and integrate technical information into business decisions.

• Proven track record in delivering commitments with significant impact to key business metrics and initiatives.

• Ability to coach and influence at various levels in the organization

• Possess key attributes such as: drive for results, decision quality, courage, interpersonal savvy, systems thinking, risk analysis, and contingency planning

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 SCJHR@scj.com. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Download the EEO is the Law poster for more information.