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Position Description and Opportunity Overview  
 

 
 
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Client Company

Position: Director, Research and Development

Location: Shelton, Connecticut

Reports To: President

Web Site: www.centrixdental.com

The Business
 
Centrix was created in 1970 from an idea of Dr. William B. Dragan's to bring to the dental
profession an easier way to deliver composite resins and cements from the mixing pad to the
tooth. The new composite materials so impressed him with their vast potential in his dental
practice, that he knew a simple, efficient, and effective way of delivering composite was a must
for the dentist. After much experimentation, and trial and error, Dr. Dragan developed and
patented the first practical syringe delivery system for composites in 1970. This was the original
Mark I syringe and the CR® (Composite Resin) tube and plug.
 

Over the years Centrix has continued to grow by expanding its product line and improve upon
existing concepts, along with listening to the demands of the dental professional. Since then many
products have been introduced. Products such as the all plastic Mark II™ syringe, standard tubes,
Mark III™ Plastic syringe, and the PCR tubes remain as proven dependable products.
 

Today, Centrix is located in a modern facility in Shelton, Connecticut. It manufactures and sells a
complete line of dental products to the dental industry. They do this through a hybrid marketing
channel of both direct and dealer distributor sales. Their range of over 300 innovative products
include temporary crown and bridge materials, applicators, delivery systems, impression materials,
cements, and other products that "Make Dentistry Easier".

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Job Description  
 
Summary:

The main goal of the Director, R&D is to generate new product ideas derived from market research
and customer input, and develop those new products from inception through market release. The
Director will direct, conduct and implement Centrix’s research and development activities,
objectives and initiatives. The Director will ensure research and development activities will
improve Centrix’s competitive position and profitability in alignment with Centrix’s strategic goals.
The Director will lead Centrix’s New Product Review Board.
 
Essential Functions:
 
• Research and develop new, unique, patentable and differentiated (Tier 1) products and
direct process through market release.
• Create line extensions and improve existing products to create next generation (Tier 2)
products and direct process through market release.
• Create and manage new product development schedule and budget.
• Schedule and chair New Product Review Board meetings.
• Transition new products from pilot to production.
• Coordinate with Sales and Marketing to leverage hybrid sales model launch power.
• Manage assigned personnel.

 
Accountabilities:

Bring to market each year on time and within budget:

• 1 Product at least every 3 years that generates at least $1,000,000 in annual sales.
• 2 Products every year that generate at least $375,000 in annual sales each.
• 2 Next Generation (Tier 2) product improvements or line extensions that generates
additional revenue for product line
 
 
Qualifications, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated project methodology for product development.

• Demonstrated ability to schedule, manage and complete multiple projects within a
specified time frame.
• Demonstrated market/commercial success of products developed
• Hands-on design activity:
• Ability to bring people together from different departments for consensus.
• Prepare and maintain budget and work in hands on environment.
• Effectively communicate project status and report to executive management.
 
 
 

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Critical Skills and Competencies

• Minimum of (10) years in dental or medical device research and
development.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering required, Advanced Degree desirable.
• Project Management experience is required.
• Experience with Fluid Dynamics (material flow) desirable.
• Experience with Plastics and Plastics Molding desirable.
• Experience with US and International Medical Device Regulations.
• Experience using AutoCAD, SolidWorks and MasterCAM desirable.

Compensation  
 
The basic framework from Centrix will include a strong base salary and annual target
bonus. In addition, relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.  
 

Why is this compelling position to consider?  

 
This is a newly created position.
Opportunity to play an integral role in future growth of organization.
Autonomy/independence to administer skills & abilities.
Direct access to senior leadership.
Outstanding challenges with this role.
An opportunity to have a direct impact on the company’s success.

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Interview Process

ZRG provides our client companies with best-in-class hiring process grounded
in fact- based measurements and information. We believe finding the best people for a role
involves closely matching exact skills and attributes of candidates to the highly specific needs of
our clients. Our entire process is built around providing a superior level of quality candidates to
our clients who fit the specifications clearly.

To accomplish this, we utilize our patent pending Z Score hiring process which provides for
improved hiring results and better fits for candidates and employers.

Steps:

1) Initial interview(s) with ZRG Partners

2) Presentation of short list of candidates to Centrix for approval
3) Green light from Centrix to proceed to first round of interview process.
4) Face-to-face interview with key members of Centrix management team.
5) Finalists will then complete Z Score on-line assessment process to compare individual
behavioral and intellectual traits to our hiring database for similar positions we have filled.
6) Second interview with Centrix senior team.
7) Background check, reference check, income verification and offer.

About ZRG Partners

ZRG Partners is a Global Retained Executive Search Firm headquartered in

Westborough, Massachusetts, with regional offices through the US, Europe, Canada
and Asia Pacific. Our fact-based approach to helping our clients make great hiring
decisions is the foundation of our search process.

The ZRG team working on this project will include:

Steven P. Tosches
Managing Director
201- 560-9900 x224
stosches@zrgpartners.com

Ken Lubin
Managing Director
508-366-5800 x219
klubin@zrgpartners.com 
 
Sarah Mason
Research Director
508-366-5800 x248
smason@zrgpartners.com 

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