R&D Manager

NEO PERFORMANCE MATERIALS (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in advanced materials seeks a Manager for R&D in Singapore. The role involves leading product development, managing a team, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Candidates should have a postgraduate degree in a relevant field and at least 5 years of experience in team management within an industrial R&D environment. Strong project management, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of team management experience in materials development.
• Proven experience in leading industrial R&D projects.
• Strong capability to manage multi-site collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead and promote the research and development of advanced products.
• Provide technical support to the sales team.
• Oversee daily laboratory operations.
• Supervise and train laboratory personnel.
• Provide expertise in analytical chemistry.
• Plan and manage budgets for laboratory operations.
• Enforce laboratory safety guidelines.

Skills

Team management

Project management

Analytical chemistry

Interpersonal communication

Technical negotiation

Problem-solving

Education

Postgraduate degree (MSc or PhD) in Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Science, Catalytic Chemistry, or Engineering

Job description

Neo Performance Materials is a global leader in the innovation and manufacturing of advanced functional materials used in a wide range of technological applications which are essential inputs to high technology, high growth, future-facing industries. With our state-of-the-art processing and manufacturing facilities we produce some of the highest performance rare earth and rare metal based engineered materials in the world. Headquartered in Toronto, Neo operates three Business Units with production facilities and global sales force in Japan, China, Thailand, Estonia, Singapore, Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, United States, and South Korea. Please see www.neomaterials.com.

At Neo Performance Materials, we believe in these: (1) delivering high-quality advanced industrial products and exemplary service to customers globally; (2) advancing our customers’ product development and sustainability goals, and; (3) maintaining workplaces that are safe, efficient, and managed with sustainability in mind.

In order to connect innovation across labs and factories to develop scalable solutions, optimize our productions and make sure that the R&D teams in the lab and factory have a joint technology roadmap and work smoothly to serve the customers, we will be recruiting a Manager for R&D in our factory in Zibo, China and Singapore Lab.

Duties/Responsibilities

1. R&D of Advanced Products

• Lead and promote the research and development of advanced products, prepare R&D strategies and plans, and ensure that the R&D direction is consistent with the company's strategic objectives.
• Organize research on markets and technologies, analyse industry development trends and customer needs, and explore potential market opportunities.
• Lead the project launch of new/advanced products, technical route formulation, experimental scheme design, data analysis, results transformation and other work to ensure the smooth progress of R&D projects.
• Responsible for resolving technical issues during the process of new/advanced product development, organize and coordinate internal and external resources to ensure that projects are completed on time and with good quality.
• Follow up market feedback on new/advanced products, continuously improve product performance and quality, and enhance product competitiveness.

2. Support for New Customer Development

• Provide technical support to the sales team, participate in customer technical discussion and communication, respond to technical queries, and enhance customer awareness and trust in the company's products.
• Provide customized product solutions according to customer needs, assist the sales team to complete customer development.
• Participate in technical negotiations with key customers, provide technical support, and promote cooperation.

3. Process and Technical Support for Products

• Responsible for the development and optimization of new/advanced product process, define production procedures and operations.
• Support production teams in resolving process and technical issues during the stage of new/advanced products from pilot production to mass production.
• Participate in the selection and commissioning of production equipment to enhance efficiency and product quality.

4. Laboratory Operations Management

• Oversee daily laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, calibration, and chemicals and reagents inventory control.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols, regulatory standards (OSHA, EPA), and standard operating procedures.
• Manage laboratory testing, including chemical analysis, oxides applications, and quality control processes.

5. Team Management

• Supervise and train laboratory personnel, including technicians and scientists.
• Develop training programs and ensure staff adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Conduct performance evaluations and manage team development.

6. Technical Leadership

• Provide expertise in analytical chemistry, oxides applications, and chemical processes.
• Lead implementation of new methods or equipment for improved efficiency and accuracy.

7. Project Management

• Plan and manage budgets for laboratory operations, including procurement of supplies and equipment.
• Coordinate with research teams for resource allocation and project execution.

8. Safety and Compliance

• Enforce laboratory safety guidelines and conduct regular audits.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals as per regulations.

Required Skills/Abilities and Experience

• Postgraduate degree (MSc or PhD) in Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Science, Catalytic Chemistry, or Engineering.
• At least 5 years of team management experience in materials development, within an industrial R&D or manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing material innovations that improve product performance, cost efficiency, or sustainability.
• Proven experience in leading industrial R&D projects from concept through scale-up and commercialization, with strong project management and stakeholder coordination skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop cross-cultural teams, fostering collaboration and performance across Singapore and China operations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to engage confidently with internal stakeholders (production, quality, procurement, sales) and external partners (suppliers, customers, research institutes).
• Skilled in technical and commercial negotiation, translating complex scientific concepts into actionable business outcomes.
• Sound understanding of metallurgical and materials processes, industrial production standards, and process optimization principles.
• Analytical and structured approach to problem-solving and decision-making, supported by data-driven evaluation and practical execution.
• Combines a hands-on mindset with strategic thinking and strong business orientation to drive innovation aligned with organizational goals.
• Strong capability to manage multi-site collaboration and facilitate effective communication between R&D, production, and commercial teams.
• Solution-oriented leader able to balance long-term innovation objectives with short-term business needs.
• Excellent communication skills in both English and Chinese, with demonstrated experience presenting technical and strategic content to diverse audiences.
• Highly proactive, organized, and adaptable, with strong sense of urgency and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and mentoring abilities in a fast-paced, results-driven industrial environment.
• Willingness to travel regionally and internationally for project execution, training, and technology transfer across Asian and European sites.