Global Director, R&D - Cleaners

Guardian Protection Products; Pleasant Prairie (WI); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, life insurance

401(k) plan

Paid holidays

Vacation and parental leave

Job summary

Rust-Oleum is seeking a Global Director of Research & Development, Cleaners, to lead the worldwide cleaners technology platform from its base in Pleasant Prairie, WI. This role shapes strategic technology direction, drives product innovation, and ensures successful development, testing, scale-up, and commercialization across consumer and professional markets.

The ideal candidate has 15+ years in senior R&D leadership, a Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. preferred; MS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field required.
• 15+ years of progressive R&D leadership in consumer cleaners.
• Experience leading global product development and commercialization.
• Experience managing geographically dispersed teams and global portfolios.

Responsibilities

• Lead the global cleaners technology roadmap and strategy development.
• Oversee ideation, development, scale-up, and launch of new cleaning technologies.
• Manage a balanced portfolio including reformulations, cost reductions, and quality improvements.
• Build and mentor a high-performing global technical organization.

Skills

Formulation science

Analytical chemistry

Microbiology

Surfactant systems

Product development

Leadership

Education

Ph.D. preferred; MS in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering/Polymer Science/Materials Science/Surfactant Science

Tools

AI-enabled formulation tools

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION The Global Director of Research & Development, Cleaners is responsible for leading Rust‑Oleum’s global cleaners technology platform and innovation pipeline. This role provides strategic and technical leadership for the development, commercialization, quality improvement, and lifecycle management of cleaner, detergent, disinfectant, degreaser, and specialty surface care products across consumer and professional markets.The successful candidate will establish and execute a global technology strategy, build world‑class technical capabilities, and lead a high‑performing team of scientists and engineers to deliver differentiated products that drive profitable growth. The role requires close collaboration with Marketing, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Quality, Sourcing, and Commercial teams across North America, EMEA, and other global regions. The location for this role is based in Pleasant Prairie, WI a perfect and affordable location with close proximity two major US cities and international airports.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Technology LeadershipDevelop and execute the global cleaners technology roadmap aligned with business growth objectives.Identify emerging technologies, consumer trends, regulatory developments, and competitive advancements to drive innovation.Build and expand Rust‑Oleum's cleaners capabilities across consumer, industrial, institutional, and specialty cleaning segments.Lead technology scouting activities with suppliers, universities, startups, and industry partners.Product Innovation & CommercializationLead the ideation, development, validation, scale‑up, and launch of new cleaning technologies and products.Manage a balanced portfolio of breakthrough innovations, line extensions, reformulations, cost reductions, and quality improvement initiatives.Ensure strong technical substantiation supporting product claims, performance, safety, compliance, and customer value propositions.Drive rapid commercialization and efficient project execution from concept through launch.Knowledge, execution and strategy of internal and external manufacturing capabilities Global R&D Team LeadershipBuild, lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing global technical organization.Recruit and retain top technical talent in formulation science, analytical chemistry, microbiology, surface science, and testing.Establish career development, succession planning, and organizational capability‑building initiatives.Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, inclusion, and continuous learning.

Qualifications

EducationPh.D. preferred; M.S. required in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Surfactant Science, or related discipline.Experience15+ years of progressive R&D leadership experience in consumer cleaners organizations.Proven success leading global product development organizations.Demonstrated experience commercializing cleaning, detergent, home care, institutional, industrial, or adjacent specialty chemical products.Experience managing geographically dispersed teams and global innovation portfolios.Strong track record of translating technology into profitable business growth.

Technical Competencies

Expertise in cleaning formulations, surfactant systems, detergency mechanisms, and performance testing.Strong understanding of formulation science, structure‑property relationships, and product performance optimization.Experience with regulatory requirements, product stewardship, and claim substantiation.Familiarity with digital R&D tools, data analytics, AI‑enabled formulation development, and innovation processes.

Leadership Competencies

Strategic thinker with strong business acumen.Proven ability to lead organizational transformation and capability building.Exceptional communication and influencing skills.Strong project portfolio management capability.Demonstrated success in developing people and building high‑performing teams.Results‑oriented leader with a strong bias for action and execution. From big benefits to small, we take care of our associates!

• After 30 days of employment, you will be eligible for a benefits package that includes medical, dental, life, disability and business travel insurance, flexible spending accounts, EAP, stock purchases and vacation/sick days/parental leave.
• We also offer a 401(k) plan after three months of employment.
• Associates are vested in the RPM Pension plan after completing five years of service.
• Rust‑Oleum offers (9.5) paid holidays and two floating holidays per year.
• You are also eligible to earn three weeks of vacation on an annualized basis.

Rust‑Oleum is an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.