R&D Manager Job

Arkema; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the adhesives sector is seeking an R&D Manager to lead a team focused on developing innovative solutions for the automotive market. The role requires strong leadership and technical expertise in adhesives, with a commitment to team development and cross-functional collaboration. The R&D Manager will drive projects from conception to commercialization, ensuring alignment with business goals and compliance with EHS standards. This position offers opportunities for professional growth and requires up to 20% travel.

Qualifications

• 5 years leading technical teams in product development.
• Expertise in product development and stage gate tools.

Responsibilities

• Manage R&D team for mobility-related structural adhesive solutions.
• Lead technical efforts to develop or improve products.
• Provide R&D support to manufacturing, marketing, and sales.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal Skills

Communication

Innovation

Education

MS in Chemistry

Ph.D.

Job description

Job Title:
R&D Manager

Division:
Bostik, Inc – Durable Goods

Location:
Dublin, OH

Situation in Organization:
Reports to NA R&D Director for Durable Goods (DG). Direct reports include: Product Development Scientists, Technicians, and Technical Service for structural adhesives.

Job Dimensions:
Manage a team of scientists and technicians (8+ headcount) for R&D in order to offer 2K PU, MMA, and epoxy solutions to the automotive/general transportation market in NA. Work closely with regional and global teams to prioritize and align project portfolio with market strategy.

Activities:

Function
:
Manage R&D Team for Mobility related structural adhesive solutions within the Durable Goods BU in NA. R&D team comprised of Product Development and Technical Support for 2-component structural polyurethane, MMA, and epoxy adhesives for the Automotive and General Transportation markets.

Team management
:
Lead and develop a balanced team to ensure they are qualified to meet company vision/goals and keep them motivated. Build a development plan for each member of the team to ensure each person has a clear career path. Define, implement and monitor individual objectives. Drive the team to further the culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

System and procedures
:
Manage projects thru Stage Gate process and collaboration of cross-functional teams. Make sure local execution is prioritized and aligns with business objectives. Ensure resources are properly shared among the team and interact efficiently with other Bostik/Arkema R&D teams.

R&D activity
:
Lead and manage technical efforts of team in order to develop or improve products for further growth of the business.

Ensure decision on prioritization is taken with R&D Market Leader, Business Director, and Product Line Manager to balance new product development needs with team capacity and capabilities.

Coordinate with supply management and raw material suppliers on flexible formulation and new RM evaluation/qualification. Support LEAP/cost savings objectives.

Build knowledge of customer products and applications. Provide appropriate product recommendations. Support customer’s new product qualification process.

Active participation with relevant universities, industrial organizations/associations, and/or government agencies.

Contribute to the development of the scientific expertise of team. Support and take an active role in new IP generation. Re-enforce interaction between local product development team and Emerging Technologies R&D team.

Cross-functional Support
:
Provide R&D support to manufacturing, marketing, supply chain, and sales when required.

Reporting
:
Provide regular reports as required. Ensure team is recording R&D progress on projects within appropriate company systems.

Context and Environment:

The job involves serving a diverse population of internal and external customers through cross-functional teams. A specialized focus on alignment, performance and capabilities of the technical team is required to accelerate the creation of valued solutions.

The job requires strong team spirit to work efficiently in a matrix organization to ensure collective efficiency and success.

The position requires up to 20%
travel.

Accountabilities:

Ensure designated laboratories are in full compliance with EHS, legal, and company requirements.

Use of the stage gate process and execution of project plans to align technical and business goals.

Work with cross-functional teams to move product development from exploration through commercialization.

Set clear expectations with team and take an active role in resolving work related conflict.

Qualifications / Experience Required:

MS in Chemistry, Polymer Science, or related field required. Ph.D. preferred.

-5 years leading technical teams in product development in a chemistry-related company.

Expertise in product development and stage gate tools; demonstrated ability to lead complex projects.

Strong leadership, adaptable in a fast growing organization and dynamic business environment.

Technical experience with adhesives and/or the automotive industry strongly preferred.

Results-driven, aggressive but a team player.

Open-minded, creative and innovative.

Excellent interpersonal & communication skills.

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