R&D Manager POST NUMBER: 474642

Our client is seeking an experienced R&D Manager to lead innovation, product development, and technical operations within a growing chemical manufacturing environment. This individual will oversee Research & Development, Quality Control, Technical Service, and Production Scale-Up, while playing a key role in driving new product commercialization and organic growth initiatives. This is a highly visible position reporting directly to the President.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all research and development activities, including the design, formulation, and testing of adhesive and polymer-based products

• Drive new product development, as well as the improvement and optimization of existing formulations

• Oversee scale-up processes from lab to full production in partnership with manufacturing teams

• Manage and mentor R&D laboratory staff, ensuring a productive and professional environment

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, Quality, and Commercial teams to support business objectives

• Serve as a technical resource for customers, addressing product-related inquiries and providing solutions

• Build and maintain relationships with raw material suppliers and customers

• Analyze experimental data and prepare technical reports and recommendations for leadership

• Ensure proper operation, maintenance, and utilization of laboratory equipment

• Implement and maintain safety protocols across lab and production environments

• Support and enforce AS9100 / ISO 9001 quality standards and procedures

• Assist with product commercialization efforts, bringing new innovations to market

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Organic Chemistry, or a related field (advanced degree preferred)

• Minimum 10 years of hands-on laboratory experience, preferably within adhesives or polymer-based materials

• Proven experience formulating and testing products such as epoxies, polyurethanes, acrylics, and silicones

• Demonstrated success in bringing products from development through commercialization

• Strong leadership experience with the ability to manage and develop technical teams

• Working knowledge of manufacturing scale-up processes

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Excellent attention to detail and organizational ability

• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• High level of accountability, reliability, and professionalism

Additional Information

• This role requires flexibility in schedule to support business and production needs

• The position will interact regularly with both laboratory and plant environments

• All employees are expected to adhere to company policies and maintain the highest standards of quality and safety

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.