Manager, Materials Process Chemistry

Korn Ferry; Trenton (NJ); On-site; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Korn Ferry has partnered with our client for the role of Manager, Materials Process Chemistry. This leader will guide a team of process chemists to define, develop, and demonstrate scalable synthetic routes to novel materials and intermediates.

Reporting to the Head of Materials Process Chemistry, the role involves technical oversight, building capabilities, and aligning resources with top business priorities in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment. Collaborative leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in organic chemistry with 5+ years in industrial process chemistry or M.S. with 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Proven track record leading and developing teams of four or more chemists.
• Strong expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, process development, scale-up, and route optimization.
• Ability to balance technical depth with people leadership, program priorities, and organizational objectives.
• Clear communication and cross-functional collaboration across teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance and leadership across all areas of process chemistry.
• Lead, mentor, coach, and develop a team of process chemists.
• Set team objectives and key results aligned with business priorities.
• Conduct regular performance and development discussions with team members.
• Ensure compliance with SOPs, safety expectations, and regulatory requirements.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration across functions and locations.
• Drive continuous improvement and scale-up of robust synthetic processes.
• Partner with R&D program leaders to align resources and priorities.
• Support scale-up and transfer of processes from research through development.

Skills

Leadership

Organic chemistry

Process development

Scale-up

Route optimization

Cross-functional collaboration

Safety & compliance

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

M.S. in Organic Chemistry

Job description

Korn Ferry has partnered with our client on their search for the role, Manager, Materials Process Chemistry.

Position Overview

The Manager, Materials Process Chemistry will lead a team of process chemists responsible for defining, developing, and demonstrating scalable synthetic routes to novel materials and related intermediates. This leader will provide technical and managerial oversight, develop team capabilities, and partner with research and development program leaders to ensure resources are focused on the highest-priority scientific and business needs.

Reporting to the Head of Materials Process Chemistry, this role will also contribute to the broader chemistry leadership team and support cross-functional objectives across the organization. The position is well suited for a collaborative leader who enjoys advancing complex chemical science in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance, support, and leadership across all areas of process chemistry.
• Lead, mentor, coach, and develop a team of process chemists.
• Establish team objectives and key results aligned with business and organizational priorities.
• Conduct regular performance and development discussions with team members.
• Ensure compliance with applicable standard operating procedures, safety expectations, and regulatory requirements.
• Foster collaboration across functions, teams, and geographic locations.
• Empower team members to advance the science, solve complex problems, and champion continuous improvement.
• Model professional leadership behaviors and reinforce a culture of accountability, inclusion, and scientific excellence.
• Partner with R&D program leaders to align resources, timelines, and technical priorities.
• Support the scale-up and transfer of robust synthetic processes from research through development.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in organic chemistry with more than five years of process chemistry experience in an industrial setting, or a master’s degree in organic chemistry with more than ten years of relevant industrial experience.
• Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing teams of four or more chemists.
• Strong expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, process development, scale-up, and route optimization.
• Ability to balance technical depth with people leadership, program priorities, and organizational objectives.
• Clear communication skills and a track record of effective cross-functional collaboration.
• Commitment to laboratory safety, quality, compliance, and operational discipline.