Global Director of R&D & Materials Innovation

Dura-Line; Clinton (TN); On-site; USD 151,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Dura-Line, an Orbia Connectivity Solutions business, seeks a Global Research & Development Director to lead our worldwide R&D organization, shaping polymers, materials science, testing, and product qualification. You will guide a talented team through concept to commercialization, aligning with strategic business goals and growth plans.

The role requires 15+ years in industrial R&D with polymers, demonstrated leadership, and a track record of bringing new products to market.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a related discipline (Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science).
• 15+ years of progressive industrial R&D, polymers, or related leadership experience.
• Strong leadership and ability to build organizational capability.
• Proven success commercializing new products and technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead product, material, formulation, and technology development from concept through commercialization.
• Establish and execute the global R&D strategy aligned to business objectives and growth initiatives.
• Make final technical decisions related to materials, testing, product qualification, specifications, and launch readiness.
• Direct and develop a team of R&D professionals while building technical capability across the organization.
• Manage a global portfolio of innovation projects, balancing priorities, resources, risks, and budgets.
• Partner with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Procurement, Commercial, Product Management, and executive leadership.
• Drive product performance improvements, manufacturing scale-up, and process optimization initiatives.
• Collaborate with suppliers, testing laboratories, certification agencies, customers, and industry partners.
• Translate complex technical findings into actionable business recommendations and executive-level communications.
• Assess laboratory capabilities, technical resources, and innovation priorities to establish a roadmap for future growth.

Skills

DOE

Statistical analysis

Data-driven decisions

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Master's degree in Polymer Science

PhD in Polymer Science

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Extrusion

Materials testing

Polymer characterization

Job description

Dura-Line, an Orbia Connectivity Solutions business, seeks a Global Research & Development Director to lead our worldwide R&D organization, shaping polymers, materials science, testing, and product qualification. You will guide a talented team through concept to commercialization, aligning with strategic business goals and growth plans.

The role requires 15+ years in industrial R&D with polymers, demonstrated leadership, and a track record of bringing new products to market.