Research & Development Director

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Join our Leadership Team and shape the future of technical innovation in the foundry and chemical solutions industry.

About The Role

We’re seeking a visionary and hands-on Director of R&D to lead innovation at the intersection of chemistry, manufacturing, and customer success. This role isn’t just about technical depth—it’s about commercial impact, global collaboration, and accelerating the pace of new product development in a highly competitive and evolving industry.

As a key member of the Leadership Team, you will set the direction of our technical roadmap, oversee a high-performing team of chemists, and collaborate across continents to bring breakthrough products to market. This is your opportunity to shape the future of our business and our industry.

What You’ll Do

• Drive strategic and technical leadership across new product development, manufacturing support, and innovation pipeline.
• Partner with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Global Innovation Teams to align technical strategy with commercial growth.
• Represent our technical vision with external stakeholders, key customers, and industry organizations.
• Lead and develop a dynamic R&D team while instilling a culture of innovation, accountability, and scientific rigor.
• Translate customer pain points into breakthrough solutions—and bring them to market with discipline and speed.
• Bridge the gap between local innovation and global collaboration, reporting into both the CEO and our parent company’s VP of Global R&D in Germany.
  
  

Requirements

What We’re Looking For

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Organic or Polymer Chemistry (Ph.D. preferred).
• 10+ years in R&D within the chemical or manufacturing industry, with a proven track record of successful product launches.
• 5+ years of technical team leadership, including project ownership and mentoring.
• Strong commercial and cross-functional orientation—you speak both “lab” and “market.”
• Familiarity with tools like ERP, CRM, Excel, and Minitab, and curiosity around data analytics and AI in R&D.
• A communicator, strategist, and builder of culture. You’re not just a scientist—you’re a change leader.
  
  

Why Join Us

• Be part of a high-visibility Leadership Team reporting directly to the CEO and VP of Global R&D.
• Collaborate with global R&D counterparts and gain exposure to international innovation strategies.
• Work at the forefront of chemistry and manufacturing excellence with a company known for its technical integrity and market leadership.
• We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package (bonus, 401k, 409A, profit sharing, PTO, health, L&D)
  
  

Salary Description

$200,000-$220,000