R&D Manager - Product Development

Overview

Seeking an experienced and innovative R&D Manager to lead our team of chemists, scientists, and technologists in developing new products and enhancing existing formulations. This role requires a hands-on leader with a strong background in research, product innovation, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team within the R&D department to drive new product development and continuous improvement of existing products.
• Design, execute, and analyze experiments to identify and solve technical challenges.
• Evaluate, recommend, and test raw materials for performance and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct competitive product testing and benchmarking analysis.
• Ensure laboratory cleanliness, equipment functionality, and safety compliance.
• Provide technical support to Operations and Technical Services teams for product evaluations and field complaint resolutions.
• Communicate project results and progress across R&D teams and other departments, including presentations at Stage Gate reviews.
• Collaborate directly with customers, contractors, and industry partners to ensure product performance meets end-user needs.
• Represent the company at industry trade shows and actively participate in trade committees.
• Identify and propose improvements to enhance production efficiency and reduce costs.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of all approved work and product data.
• Perform data analyses using appropriate statistical and experimental design methods.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of product development experience in an R&D environment.
• 5+ years of management or team leadership experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in product formulation and experimental methodology.
• Broad understanding of Production/Operations, Product Management, Quality Control, ISO processes, Analytical Chemistry, Finance, and Marketing integration.
• Prior experience with research projects, patent submissions, invention disclosures, and technical publications.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills, including DOE and statistical problem-solving techniques.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 and related analytical tools.
• Ability to travel domestically up to 10% of the time.
• BS/MS in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related Engineering discipline required.