The Head of R&D, a senior leadership role, is key to advancing technology across our internal Facilities Network. This position involves setting and executing strategic R&D initiatives, including developing new print-on-demand techniques and enabling new product launches, with a core focus on increasing cost efficiency and establishing FYUL as the industry leader for high-quality print and technological advancement. The role requires direct leadership of the R&D team and ensuring seamless cooperation with all other Go-To-Market teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Executive Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams within R&D, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in project coordination and management.

• Shape and execute the company’s long-term operational strategy, driving key business initiatives to enhance FYUL’s competitiveness.

• Strategic decision-making for high-impact projects that influence gross margin, revenue growth, and cost efficiencies.

• Represent Operations in cross-functional leadership discussions, aligning with Technology, Product Category Management, and other key departments to drive business objectives.

Print-on-Demand Innovation

• Spearhead the identification, development, and deployment of new print-on-demand technologies, AI or ML use cases in operations, and advanced manufacturing techniques.

• Oversee key R&D-led projects, including the fleet-wide equipment upgrades, scaling of new techniques, AI-driven Quality Control initiatives, and other high-impact innovations.

• Drive expansion into new business avenues and product categories, leveraging R&D capabilities to unlock new revenue streams.

Technological Partnership Management & Negotiations

• Develop and manage strategic partnerships with equipment providers, partners, and other technology-driven supply chain partners with a focus on innovative solutions that would increase the company’s competitiveness and operational moat around the business.

• Negotiate with service providers to drive down CAPEX or operational costs as well as to secure the best possible commercial terms for both software and hardware products.

Cross-Functional Coordination & Organizational Impact

• Act as a key liaison between the internal teams, Operations, Product & Technology, and Category Management, to ensure seamless integration of new technologies and process improvements.

• Lead global standardization efforts, ensuring that FYUL’s fulfillment sites operate with uniform best practices, automation tools, and performance metrics.

• Establish and monitor KPIs related to product quality, customer satisfaction, production efficiency, and cost reduction.

Qualifications:

• Executive Experience: 10+ years of leadership in R&D or Operational Technology, with a proven track record of scaling innovations across a global facilities network.

• AI/ML and Automation Literacy: Hands-on experience deploying AI/ML use cases as well as automation.

• Strategic Financial Management: Proficiency in managing multi-million dollar CAPEX budgets and conducting ROI/NPV analyses for high-impact projects.

• Advanced Vendor Negotiation: Strong ability to negotiate complex hardware/software contracts and secure exclusive commercial terms or technology partnerships.

• Cross-Functional Orchestration: Skilled at acting as a bridge between Technology, Operations, and Product teams to align R&D with Go-To-Market goals.

• IP & Competitive Strategy: Experience developing proprietary technologies to establish a "technological moat" and long-term industry leadership.

• Technical Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field; an MBA is a plus.

• Print-on-Demand Expertise (Preferred): Deep technical knowledge of industrial print techniques (DTG, DTF, sublimation) and digital manufacturing workflows.

• Operational Excellence (Preferred): Expertise in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma principles to drive cost efficiency and standardize performance metrics (KPIs) globally.
  

What we offer:

• Competitive pay and benefits: health, dental, vision, and life insurance

• 401k with company match

• Free coffee and snacks

• Personal and professional development opportunities

• A fun and engaging position in a fast-paced environment

• A global, inclusive team that’s as supportive as it is ambitious and serious about getting things done

• An opportunity to work in a modern fulfillment facility

• Exciting team-building events and parties you’ll never forget! 

Printful is an on-demand printing and fulfillment company that helps people turn their ideas into brands and products. We fulfill and ship custom clothing, accessories, and home & living items for online businesses. Since its founding in 2013, Printful has scaled to a vast team of experts across fulfillment centers worldwide and has become the first company with Latvian roots to reach unicorn status (valued at over $1B).

Working at Printful is exciting and challenging. We try to improve our skills and learn something new every day. We value integrity, initiative, and respectful, transparent relationships that allow us to grow as individuals, teams, and a company.

We stand for an inclusive, accepting, and welcoming space for everyone, striving to foster an environment of diversity and a sense of belonging.

Build your career with friendly and passionate people who never forget to have fun along the way.

Printful is growing. Come grow with us!

If you think you’d excel in this role, send us your resume!

Interested, but don’t think this is the right fit for you? Feel free to share it with friends and check out other open positions at FYUL. We’re always looking for creative and driven minds to join our ever-growing team!

AAP/EEO Statement

Printful provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Printful complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Printful expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Printful’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.