Department: Research & Development
Job Status: Full-Time
Classification: Exempt
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
Salary Range: DOE
Direct Reports: Research & Development (R&D) and Technical Services & Development (TS&D) Teams
Company Overview:
Douglas Products has pioneered manufacturing and marketing specialty products, focusing on high-quality brands in the global agriculture post-harvest segment and structural pest control markets for over 100 years. With a legacy built on partnership, innovation, and expertise, we are the market leader in structural fumigation, offering unparalleled solutions in drywood termite control through our flagship product, Vikane® fumigant. Our commitment to quality, stewardship, and regulatory excellence drives our mission to protect and enhance business value for our customers worldwide.
Summary:
The Vice President of Technology is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing all technical initiatives within the company. This position ensures technical compliance with all applicable local, national, and international regulations while guiding the R&D/TS&D teams in developing innovative and effective products. The successful candidate will be pivotal in maintaining Douglas Products’ reputation for excellence and innovation, contributing directly to our strategic direction and growth. This role will report to the CEO and be a standing member of the Douglas Products Executive Team, the team responsible for driving both short- and long-term success factors for the business.
Key Responsibilities:
-
Develop and execute a comprehensive R&D/TS&D strategy that aligns with the company’s objectives and market leadership.
-
Partner with executive leadership, commercial teams, regulatory, operations, and other key stakeholders to translate technical strategy into business priorities, growth opportunities, and measurable outcomes.
-
Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise to support product stewardship, customer confidence, regulatory readiness, and market-facing technical communications across domestic and international markets.
-
Establish and monitor key R&D/TS&D priorities, project timelines, technical milestones, and performance indicators to ensure department activities support business strategy, innovation, compliance, and operational execution
-
Ensure effective relationships are established and maintained with all functional groups within Douglas and our external customer base.
-
Integrate regulatory considerations into product development, ensuring that new products meet all safety and efficacy standards.
-
Lead, mentor, and build a high-performing team of technical professionals, fostering an environment of continuous improvement.
-
Other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience:
-
A doctoral degree in a related field is strongly preferred.
-
A minimum of 10 years of experience in a senior R&D or TS&D role, with a proven track record in the manufacturing industry, preferably with experience in structural pest control or related fields or a combination of work experience and education.
-
Demonstrated experience leading technical, product development, or innovation initiatives that support commercial strategy, regulatory requirements, and business growth.
-
Proven ability to work cross-functionally with commercial, regulatory, operations, quality, supply chain, and executive leadership teams.
-
Experience managing technical priorities, project timelines, department resources, and stakeholder expectations in a complex business environment.
-
Global or international business experience preferred, including working across regions, cultures, regulatory environments, or external partners.
-
Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and drive excellence.
-
Strong communication skills, effectively articulating complex technical information to diverse audiences.
-
Strategic thinker with excellent analytical skills, adept at making sound decisions under pressure.
-
High integrity, commitment to compliance and ethics, and the agility to respond to changing circumstances.
-
Willingness to travel as required to support global operations.
Competencies:
-
R&D/TS&D Strategy: Comprehensive understanding of technical frameworks and the ability to develop and execute strategic R&D/TS&D plans that align with the company's business objectives and compliance requirements.
-
Industry Awareness: Stay informed about industry trends, advancements, and the competitive landscape to guide strategic direction and innovation within the R&D department.
-
Leadership in Compliance and Ethics: Strong leadership skills, focusing on fostering a culture of compliance, ethics, and integrity.
-
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Proven ability to employ critical thinking to analyze situations, identify challenges, and implement innovative, effective solutions.
-
Adaptability: Ability to work effectively under high levels of uncertainty and adapt swiftly to evolving scenarios and regulatory landscapes.
-
Strategic Thinking and Analytical Skills: Must exhibit strategic thinking with robust analytical capabilities, enabling sound decision-making under pressure.
-
Collaboration and Relationship Building: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams, technical bodies, and industry partners based on trust, professionalism, and mutual respect.
-
Exceptional Communication: Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills, ensuring technical information is accessible and understandable to all stakeholders, regardless of technical background.
-
Advanced Technical Proficiency: Must demonstrate a high level of expertise with various computer-based programs, including Microsoft Office Suite, and relevant industry-specific software such as SAS (JMP) for statistical analysis.
-
Effective Virtual and In-Person Communication: Skilled at conveying information and engaging with teams and stakeholders face-to-face and virtually, ensuring clear and effective communication across all formats.
Work Environment:
-
Work effectively with limited supervision.
-
Be able to perform at a high level in various environments, including home/virtual office, agricultural settings, urban environments, etc.
-
Able to work collaboratively across cultures and with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
-
Able to work effectively both in a team environment and independently.
Expected Hours of Work:
-
Work hours frequently extend beyond an 8-hour day and 40 hr. /week.
-
Evening, late-night, and weekend hours are occasionally required.
Travel:
-
Ability to travel long distances via plane or automobile required.
-
Ability to travel up to 35-45% of time required.
-
Overnight travel required.
-
Ability to travel within and outside the United States is required.
Location: Contiguous United States.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The Company’s policy provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. The Company does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, family care status, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws. When necessary, the Company also makes reasonable accommodations for disabled employees and for pregnant employees who request an accommodation, with the advice of their healthcare providers, for pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
The Company prohibits sexual harassment and the harassment of any individual on any other basis listed above.
