Hygiena provides rapid microbiology diagnostic tests and solutions for mission-critical, time-sensitive processes around the world. Hygiena’s proprietary diagnostic technologies enable customers to; prevent illness and save lives, comply with regulations, protect products and brands, run businesses more effectively. Solutions are sold in a wide range of industries globally, but the core focus is food safety. Headquartered in Camarillo, California and with offices around the world, we are actively looking for talented individuals to help grow the business!
At Hygiena we believe:
- In providing the highest quality products & service
- Being a leader in innovation
- Having a compelling desire to improve and win in the marketplace
- In contributing positively not only in the workplace, but in our community and environment!
With rapid growth comes opportunity. We are looking for a Director, Research & Development to join our team in Camarillo, CA.
The Director, Research & Development (R&D) Microbiology is responsible for managing and leading a team of R&D Scientists who are responsible for creating new products and improving existing products. Increase sales revenue to expand the diversification of Hygiena technology and disseminate the Hygiena brand through advances in R&D.
Responsibilities:
- Manages the R&D team to ensure project goals are delivered in an efficient and timely manner, while ensuring adherence to Design Control Processes and Principles. Assigns projects and SMART goals as directed by the Executive team, aligning projects with marketing requirements. Coordinates program status with Project Management and communicates effectively with senior management teams.
- Develops microbial or biochemistry detection technologies and assays to meet market requirement, maintains brand leadership and improves competitiveness.
- Develops strategies for new product development, organic growth of existing products and utilization of relevant, complimentary technologies.
- Assesses competitor products and new technologies, developing appropriate responses to capitalize on the challenges and opportunities involved.
- Acts as lead thinkers for ongoing strategies for Hygiena, continuing efforts to increase and expand the product portfolio.
- Coordinates with R&D Managers to ensure the R&D teams run effectively. Executes and conducts annual performance reviews in addition to congoing feedback and discussions.
- Performs technical support activities by providing technical advice to manufacturing, quality control, sales, customers and internal technical support teams
- Oversee and lead the department's annual budget and quarterly forecast. This includes identifying and recommending areas for improvement and opportunities. Additionally, collaborate with management teams to prioritize and eliminate expenses to achieve financial objectives and promote financial discipline.
- Ensures compliance with and/or follows all organizational systems, programs, training, policies, and procedures as required and complies with relevant legal mandates. Seeks guidance as necessary.
- Actively supports and participates in the safety program, both for self-protection and the protection of other employees, by reading and abiding by all requirements in the Safety Manual and Injury Illness Prevention Program (IIPP).
- Carries out all responsibilities in an honest, ethical and professional manner.
- Must be able to fulfill essential job function in a consistent state of alertness and safe manner.
- Handles various other duties as delegated by the Chief Scientific Officer.
Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in a Microbiological discipline with greater than fifteen (15) years’, or a PhD with greater than ten (10) years’ working experience in a professional laboratory at management and strategic levels.
- Must have practical and working knowledge of the following:
- Microbiology, Biochemistry, Bioluminescence.
- Management of R&D teams, ideally in a different location.
- Current developments in the market.
- Manufacturing expertise.
- Working knowledge of statistical methodologies.
- Deep and current understanding of microbiological methods.
- Project management skills and experience
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat required.
- Good understanding of our customers and market, and industry associations and networks.
- Management experience of several teams and external associations
- Working knowledge of Design Control Processes
- Working knowledge of current markets for Hygiena
Salary Range (applicable to California):
$190,000.00 - $205,000.00 base salary DOE
Supervisory Responsibilities:
In accordance with applicable policies/procedures and Federal/State laws, may perform the following supervisory responsibilities: Interviewing, hiring, orienting and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; coaching and appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; enforcing all safety rules and ensuring safe work procedures.
Skills/Abilities:
- Excellent verbal and written communication,
- Must be able to use discretion and independent judgement.
- Must be able to work in a team environment.
- Must be able to pay close attention to details.
- Must be able to adapt and flex to a changing environment.
- Must be able to lift/carry 20 pounds.
- Microbiology expertise: aseptic technique, media prep, plating, dilutions, microbial classification and physiology
- Show good self and situational awareness
- Ability to take control during presentations to senior management
- Leadership skills, can mentor and be an arbiter for team members
Working Conditions:
- Is required to work normal office hours (with some flexibility as per the below) Monday through Friday in the Office
- May occasionally work early morning/evenings/weekends to accommodate urgent customer requests in different time zones
- Will be required to travel to represent Hygiena approximately 20% domestic and internal travel including customer visits, regional offices, and industry events.
- May occasionally work evenings and/or weekends.
Why you’ll want to join our team:
Teamwork as a core value.
At Hygiena, our emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional communication enables us to build stronger bonds within our business.
Be a part of something big.
Hygiena plays a critical role in helping to prevent global health crisis such as foodborne illness, healthcare-associated infections, and other outbreaks.
Giving back to our communities.
Hygiena believes in giving back by supporting local organizations committed to improving the lives of children and youth in our communities.
Benefits and Perks:
- 15 days of PTO & 9 paid company holidays
- Medical with HSA employer contribution, Dental, Vision available 1st of the month after start date
- Company paid Life Insurance, Short* and Long-Term Disability and an Employee Assistance Program
- 401(k) with Safe Harbor and Profit-Sharing employer contributions
- Tuition Reimbursement program
- Charitable Contribution matching
- Employee Referral bonus opportunities
*State paid short-term disability for California based employees
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Hygiena participates in E-Verify.