Global Fire Protection Portfolio R&D Technical Director

Sherwin-Williams; Clitheroe; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sherwin-Williams in Clitheroe seeks a leader in product development for intumescent coatings. The role involves oversight of product lifecycle, regulatory compliance, and leadership across global teams. The ideal candidate has an advanced degree and significant experience in coatings or specialty chemicals R&D, particularly with fire protection standards.

Applicants should possess strong communication skills and the ability to lead cross-functional teams. An equal opportunity employer, Sherwin-Williams is committed to a discrimination-free workplace.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of leadership experience in coatings or specialty chemicals R&D.
• Deep expertise in global fire protection standards.
• Strong background in physical property testing and system compatibility.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of product development for intumescent coatings.
• Drive executional excellence across global R&D teams.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Skills

Leadership in coatings R&D

Knowledge of regulatory compliance

Expertise in fire protection standards

Ability to lead cross-functional teams

Risk management

Communication skills

Education

Advanced degree in Chemistry or related field

Job description

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of product development for intumescent coatings, ensuring timely and successful delivery from concept to commercialization.
• Drive executional excellence across global R&D teams, ensuring alignment with business cases and market strategies.
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement in product performance, application, and system integration.
• Regulatory Standards & Third-Party Testing
  • Serve as the technical authority on global fire protection standards (UL, EN, ASTM, ISO), ensuring all products meet or exceed regulatory and certification requirements.
  • Develop and manage third-party testing programs, including coordination with external laboratories and certification bodies.
  • Monitor and respond to evolving regulatory landscapes, proactively adjusting development strategies to maintain compliance.
• Physical Property & Compatibility Testing
  • Oversee rigorous testing of product physical properties including adhesion, durability, thermal expansion, and fire resistance.
  • Ensure environmental and physical compatibility across substrates, surface preparation methods, primers, and topcoats.
  • Lead system-level validation to ensure product performance in real-world applications.
• Strategic Collaboration & Leadership
  • Partner closely with the Global Fire Portfolio Marketing Director to align technical development with customer needs, market trends, and strategic priorities.
  • Translate business cases into clear, actionable R&D plans with defined deliverables and success metrics.
  • Provide technical leadership across cross‑functional teams, fostering collaboration between R&D, marketing, regulatory, and operations.
  • Key stakeholder in the delivery of the Fire Center of Excellence (FCOE) Approval and Completion.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in coatings or specialty chemicals R&D, with a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance and product delivery.
• Deep expertise in global fire protection standards and certification processes, including successful engagement with third‑party testing agencies.
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams, manage complex technical programs, and deliver results aligned with strategic business goals.
• Strong background in physical property testing and system compatibility, especially in multi‑layer coating systems.
• Skilled in technical decision‑making, risk management, and resource prioritization across global teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence across technical and commercial domains.

An equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, colour, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, pregnancy or maternity, marital or civil partner status, or any other protected characteristic prohibited by law.

Please note: Sherwin-Williams recruiting team members will never request a candidate to provide a payment, ask for financial information, or sensitive personal information such as national identification numbers, date of birth, or bank account numbers during the application process.