Global Head of Research & Process Development

Connect Chemicals GmbH; Germany (OH); Hybrid; USD 94,528 - 129,977; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Remote work option

Comprehensive corporate health benefits

Training and development budget

Company car for business and private use

Job summary

A global specialty chemicals company is seeking a Head of Research & Process Development to drive R&D strategy and lead Custom Manufacturing efforts. This role involves managing global projects, overseeing technical developments, and maintaining communication with partners. The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Chemistry, has a strong technical background, and possesses excellent leadership and communication skills. An attractive compensation package and flexible working options are offered.

Qualifications

• Experience managing external manufacturing partners and global projects.
• Willingness to travel globally and lead international teams.
• Ability to translate technology into business opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Lead global Custom Manufacturing activities in collaboration with international teams.
• Shape the company’s R&D strategy together with management.
• Develop clear communication tools and presentations for sales.

Skills

PhD in Chemistry

Strong technical background in chemical process development

Proven commercial experience in a B2B or industrial environment

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work across cultures

Strategic mindset

Education

PhD in Chemistry or equivalent

Job description

Connect Chemicals is an owner-managed company with more than 25 years of experience in the production and distribution of specialty chemicals. With over 360 employees at our headquarters in Germany and in our subsidiaries across Europe, North America, and Asia, we market a high-quality portfolio of products and services.

What sets us apart? A family-oriented corporate culture built on trust, reliability, and genuine appreciation.We support individual development and place great value on strong teamwork, because our employees are the key to our long-term success.

Head of Research & Process Development (m/f/x)

Your responsibilities:

1.1 Custom Manufacturing & Process Development

• Lead global Custom Manufacturing activities in close collaboration with teams in India and Germany
• Expand and manage our partner network by identifying and evaluating new manufacturing partners
• Strengthen our technology portfolio by closing capability gaps through targeted partner selection
• Support commercial activities through joint customer meetings and technical presentations
• Develop clear communication tools and presentations for Sales and ensure continuous information flow
• Identify and approach potential customers and outsourcing decision-makers in the chemical industry
• Oversee project planning, execution, and communication between internal teams, partners, and customers
• Establish efficient reporting structures and templates for internal and external stakeholders
• Travel internationally on a regular basis

1.2 Research & Development

• Shape the company’s R&D strategy together with the Management Board
• Provide technical guidance to the Management Team for strategic decision-making
• Actively contribute to early-stage process development and support global R&D teams
• Identify gaps in the R&D portfolio and propose actionable solutions
• Drive the implementation of new technologies and product innovations
• Develop R&D budgets in collaboration with the local R&D Manager in China

Your Profile:

• PhD in Chemistry (or equivalent scientific discipline)
• Background in organic chemistry, ideally with a clear specialization and several years of relevant industry experience
• Strong technical background in chemical process development and scale-up
• Proven commercial experience in a B2B or industrial environment
• Experience in managing external manufacturing partners and global projects
• Strategic mindset with the ability to translate technology into business opportunities
• Excellent communication skills and confidence in customer-facing situations
• Ability to work across cultures and lead international teams
• Willingness to travel globally
• A dynamic company culture that still enables genuine work–life balance
• A motivated, supportive team where collaboration truly matters
• Flexible working hours and the option to work remotely
• Free on-site parking and full coverage of the Germany Ticket for public transport users
• An attractive compensation package including salary and social benefits (e.g., capital-forming contributions, pension support)
• Comprehensive corporate health benefits, such as a gym partnership and bike leasing
• A generous annual training and development budget for your personal growth
• A company car available for both business and private use

Do you value variety in your work, think beyond the obvious, and enjoy collaborating across teams?
Even if you don’t meet every single requirement in our job description: if you’re excited about making an impact with us, we’d love to hear from you.

Your Person of Contact: Alina Maldera
HR Manager
Tel.: [phone]