R&D Manager

CCM Europe; Belper CP; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the chemicals industry seeks an experienced R&D Manager to innovate new formulations and processes while leading a dedicated team. This role involves extensive collaboration with cross-functional teams and requires strong leadership and analytical skills. The ideal candidate will have a relevant technical degree and experience in R&D management.

Qualifications

• Experience in R&D roles, ideally in a chemical formulation setting.
• Familiarity with laboratory coursework and equipment.
• Ability to manage a team and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the R&D team and manage product research and development.
• Collaborate with various departments to define and implement projects.
• Optimize operational and installation costs.

Skills

Data Analysis

Leadership skills

Interpersonal skills

Mathematical reasoning

Education

Bachelor of Science in Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related

Master's or PhD preferred

Completion of associate degree with 5+ years experience

Tools

Laboratory Information Data System

Statistical software

Process control software

Job description

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The R&D Manager will assist the team to Research and Develop chemical formulations within the product line she/he holds primary responsibility. The role includes but is not limited to innovating new products and processes, supporting existing products and processes, optimizing operational costs and installation costs, quality assurance of raw material specifications, as well as the design and performance requirements of products used in building envelope systems. This position will research latest technologies using laboratory, pilot-scale, and plant-scale processing equipment to create new products and building assemblies, test methods, formulations, and processing techniques. Effective communication of this knowledge will be demonstrated by teaching others, sharing knowledge, and collaborating with stakeholders within and outside our organization. This position will lead the UK onsite R&D team.

1. Research, develop, implement, sustain chemical formulations

a. Manage existing formulations

b. Research new formulations

c. Ensure supply consistency and quality of raw materials

d. Collaborate with raw material suppliers to innovate raw materials

2. Communicate with R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Marketing, Sales, Warranty, Quality, etc.

a. Define project scope

b. Update project status.

c. Recommend countermeasures to challenges

3. Support R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Marketing, Sales, Warranty, Quality, etc.

a. Serve as a technical resource

b. Answer technical questions.

c. Assist testing on products and systems.

4. Project Management

a. Work with Supervisor to identify and prioritize projects

b. Organize work in alignment with priorities.

c. Deliver high impact results.

5. Leadership of R&D Team

a. Daily team management.

b. Performance review process.

6. Utilise the Carlisle Operating System (COS) ways of working in all relevant tasks and projects.

Bachelor of Science in Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science (or related technical discipline), MS or PhD is preferred.

Completion of a bachelor's degree in a technical field, with laboratory coursework. Or, completion of an associate degree with 5+years of laboratory, engineering, or quality work experience. Candidates with other relevant industry experience may be considered.

Zero to Five years as an R&D Technician, R&D Chemist or Plant Quality Lab Technician or Material Test Operator in a manufacturing plant, test lab, or R&D facility. Some experience of people leadership needed.

Essential Full Performance Knowledge:

1. Chemical Formula Expertise & Knowledge

a. Existing Product line formulations and raw materials

b. Knowledge of silicone, STPE polymers, epoxy, polysulphide, hot melts, or pressure sensitive adhesives, sealants or coatings is a plus.

c. New Product formulation research and development

d. Operation of analytical, mechanical property and chemical processing equipment

e. Test equipment knowledge and test method development

f. Safety compliance and procedures knowledge

g. Math/algebra/applied statistics

h. Laboratory Information Data System knowledge

i. Computer knowledge of current programs

2. Processing technology

a. Polymer manufacturing technologies

b. Small-, Pilot-, Plant-scale processing equipment

c. Plant batch- and/or continuous-manufacturing processes

d. Assembly and Fabrication

e. Testing equipment

3. Elementary concepts in building envelope system technology

a. Design

b. Installation

c. Product / System testing in the Field

4. Knowledge of polymer materials and compounds

5. Company rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

6. Internal processing and purchasing specifications.

7. Standard test methods and procedures

8. Handling, storage safe handling of hazardous waste and materials.

Essential Full Performance Skills:

1. Data Analysis

a. Test output interpretation

b. Data analysis (i.e. XR charts and histograms)

c. Statistical calculations

d. Ability to use data to make decisions.

2. Leadership skills

a. Help solve problems.

b. Ability to facilitate laboratory workload with good safety and practices.

c. Ability to train others.

d. Ability to multitask, work with flexible assignments and schedules.

3. Interpersonal skills-oral communication, written communication

a. Communication with Technicians

b. Communication with scientists, engineers, and management staff

c. Communication with departments outside of R&D, such as Plant, Purchasing, outside auditors, suppliers, etc.

d. Communication with Sales and Customers

4. Computer literacy

a. Skills with current business software employed by the Company

b. Skills with process control software employed by the Company

c. Skills with statistical software employed by the Company

d. Skills with lab equipment software employed by the Company

5. Operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of all lab equipment

6. Individual and group problem solving skills

7. Mathematical reasoning and problem solving

Equipment/Data:

Equipment Operated:

1. Familiar with all Laboratory and equipment
2. Personal computer
3. All lab equipment

a. Universal Testing Equipment

b. Mechanical and Physical testing instruments

c. Lab scale mixers and processing equipment

d. Balances and scales

e. High Temperature Physical Property Test Equipment

f. All lab safety equipment and procedures.

g. Other laboratory equipment, as needed

Data Used:

1. Trade magazines, publications, journals, patents, etc.
2. Plant equipment, process, quality performance data
3. Raw material test data and specifications
4. Plant, machine, and test equipment processing specifications
5. Supplier raw material certificates of analyses
6. 3rd party test lab and certification lab reports
7. SDS

Materials Used:

1. All raw materials in R&D and Plants
2. Experimental raw materials and formulation
3. Work-in-process
4. Finished products
5. Competitive product
6. Test methods, standards, SOPs, and equipment operating manuals

Interactions with Others:

1. R&D technicians, chemists, and engineers
2. Plant Technical/QA personnel
3. Product Marketing
4. Purchasing agents
5. Equipment & Raw Material Suppliers
6. Sales and Customers