Head of Research And Development

Talantir; Paris; Hybrid; EUR 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Executive compensation package

Job summary

Talantir seeks a visionary Vice President of Research & Development to define and execute a global innovation roadmap, aligning with growth and sustainability goals. You will lead a large, multi-site R&D team, overseeing the full product lifecycle from concept through industrialization, while advancing the company’s patent strategy and external partnerships.

The role reports to the CEO and sits on the Executive Committee, offering a major influence on strategic direction and long-term value

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in a relevant science/engineering field.
• 15+ years in polymer or chemical manufacturing R&D.
• Experience leading multi-site or international R&D teams.
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and industrial qualification processes.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement a 5-year global R&D and innovation roadmap aligned with corporate growth objectives.
• Lead a global R&D organization of 120–200 scientists, engineers and technicians.
• Oversee product development and industrialization from concept to commercialization.
• Strengthen IP portfolio and manage the company’s patent strategy.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Executive presence

Data-driven decisions

Cross-cultural communication

Education

PhD or MSc in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering

Job description

## What Does This Head of Research And Development Role Involve?We are working with a leading European polymer chemical manufacturer with global commercial reach and production sites across Europe, North America, and Asia. With €2 billion in annual revenue and a workforce of 1,200 employees, we specialize in high-performance polymers, specialty resins, and advanced material solutions serving industries including automotive, construction, packaging, electronics, coatings, adhesives, and industrial applications.Innovation is central to our growth strategy. We are entering a new strategic cycle focused on sustainable materials, bio-based polymers, circular economy solutions, and high-value specialty formulations.To support this transformation, we are seeking a Vice President R&D to lead our global research, development, and innovation organization.Position SummaryThe Vice President R&D will define and execute the company’s global innovation strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives, market needs, and long-term sustainability commitments.Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a member of the Executive Committee, the VP R&D will lead multi-site R&D teams, oversee product development and industrialization, manage the innovation portfolio, and drive technical excellence across polymer science, formulation, and process development.This role combines strategic leadership with strong technical depth in polymer chemistry and chemical manufacturing.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic LeadershipDefine and implement a 5-year global R&D and innovation roadmap aligned with corporate growth objectives.Identify new market opportunities in specialty polymers, advanced materials, and sustainable solutions.Lead technology scouting, external partnerships, and open innovation initiatives.Drive the company’s sustainability agenda within R&D (bio-based materials, recyclability, carbon reduction)R&D Organization ManagementLead and develop a global R&D organization (~120–200 scientists, engineers, and technicians).Oversee research laboratories, pilot plants, and scale-up facilities.Build high-performing teams and succession plans.Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific rigor.Product Development & IndustrializationOversee the full innovation lifecycle from concept to commercialization.Ensure efficient scale-up from laboratory to industrial production.Collaborate closely with Operations to improve process robustness and manufacturing performance.Support technical service and customer qualification processes.Innovation Portfolio & IP ManagementManage R&D budget and resource allocation.Prioritize projects based on ROI, strategic fit, and market demand.Strengthen the company’s patent portfolio and intellectual property strategy.Monitor emerging technologies and competitive developments.Executive & Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner with Sales & Marketing to align innovation with customer needs.Support strategic customers with high-level technical engagement.Present innovation strategy and performance to the Board and investors.Represent the company in industry associations, conferences, and strategic partnerships.Profile & ExperienceEducationPhD or MSc in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.Experience15+ years in polymer or chemical manufacturing R&D.Significant leadership experience (Director / Senior Director / VP level).Proven track record in scaling polymer products from lab to industrial production.Experience managing multi-site or international R&D teams.Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and industrial qualification processes.Experience in specialty polymers, resins, additives, elastomers, or advanced materials preferred.Technical ExpertisePolymer synthesis and formulation (thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, or specialty resins).Process development and scale-up.Product qualification and customer validation.Sustainability and circular economy technologies (recycling, bio-based feedstocks).Leadership CompetenciesStrategic thinker with strong business acumen.Ability to translate science into profitable growth.Influential executive presence.Data-driven decision maker.Strong communication skills in complex international environments.Fluent in English (French a strong advantage).What We OfferExecutive Committee position with direct impact on corporate strategy.Opportunity to shape the future of a €2B industrial group.Leadership of a highly skilled global R&D organization.Competitive executive compensation package (fixed + bonus + long-term incentives).Relocation support if required.ConfidentialityAll applications and inquiries will be handled with strict confidentiality.