Research and Development Manager

Research and Development Manager

The Research & Development Department’s mission is set the new industry standard by finding new materials, methods, and technology to change the built environment and the way we work. Our mission supports our environmental sustainability efforts and identifies opportunities to support the advancement of building performance. We foster a collaborative mindset, believing that with our partners in design, real estate, and the trades – we can deliver a better way to build. We are looking for dynamic, innovative, and passionate team members to join us in our movement to change our industry.

The R&D Manager is responsible for the development and implementation of R&D projects at HITT. In this role, he/she will help execute leadership’s vision to drive innovation and excellence in the construction industry by identifying industry disrupting technologies, concepts, products, and ideas that aim to expand HITT’s business model. They will be responsible for implementing best-in-class solutions, and when warranted, leading the development of custom technology solutions. This team member will be responsible for projects from concept through completion. They will manage complex multi-disciplinary projects working with internal teams as well as consultants, hardware developers, software developers, subcontractors, and suppliers. This individual will report to the Vice President of Research & Development.

This position will have a specific focus on HITT’s robotics program. This individual must have deep knowledge of construction and robotics, including a desire for automation, technology, and innovation for the built environment. The individual possesses strong project management skills, ability to identify opportunities on and off the jobsite for innovation, strong writing skills, relationship management, critical thinking, and superb public speaking skills. The ideal candidate is skilled in both internal and external customer service and is comfortable operating in new project territory without fear of failure. They are highly organized, self-motivated, collaborative (willing/able to engage multiple business stakeholders across various leadership teams), and able to bring structure to projects and juggle many tasks at once.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic robotics programs aimed at solving key trends and/or client demands. Ideate, develop plan, and implement for results.
• Plan project scopes and goals with R&D leadership, outlining key metrics to track and partner with project stakeholders to execute R&D projects.
• Conduct in-depth research for project topics, identify opportunities and develop strong business cases to support the idea
• Develop strategic partnerships with startup companies within construction technology that may bring value to the Co|lab, our clients and internal team members.
• R&D projects may be both short-term and long-term in nature and require strong leadership skills to push through the stages of development to launch/implementation.
• Lead R&D projects that are both physical and non-physical in nature requiring various product development approaches
• Develop relationships with internal team members, industry stakeholders, and potential clients to support developing new ideas for implementation and testing.
• Lead program framework process and development – at completion coordinate to leverage for internal/external reporting
• Drive the innovation process by implementing R&D projects. Coordinate logistics with internal team members as necessary, consultants, product manufacturers, designers, and subcontractors, etc.
• Develop and oversee project budgets
• Identify use cases, define success metrics, and testing plans
• Gather data, analysis, lessons learned to provide meaningful insights
• Iterate and test the processes constantly to achieve desired results
• Engage internal team members for input, feedback, and testing
• Demonstrate relevant returns of investment (ROI)
• Working with Communications, compose white papers, blog posts, and case studies from projects that can be shared internally and externally.
• Make presentations for R&D projects and provide performance metrics to key stakeholders.
• Act as national corporate liaison for overall R&D efforts with the goal of becoming a high-visibility leader within the construction industry.
• Act as brand ambassador for the firm, representing HITT in industry and professional organizations and events.

Qualifications

• Education and Training: Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) from four-year college or university and a minimum of 8 years of experience in commercial construction, robotics or software development.
• Ability to prioritize while working in a fast-paced environment. The ability to handle multiple projects with changing priorities is required.
• Familiar with development and manufacturing methodologies such as design thinking, lean, agile, and waterfall.
• Strong interpersonal skills with comfort level in front of internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven writing skills to capture project information and communicate to stakeholders.
• Passionate leader - strong and creative problem solver is required. The ideal candidate will be curious and able to think outside of the box while juggling simultaneous project management tasks.

HITT Contracting, Inc. is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer providing opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ individuals are encouraged to apply.

HITT Contracting, Inc. promotes a drug-free workplace.

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