Polymer Research And Development Manager

Hunter Recruiting; Avon (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Hunter Recruiting is seeking an experienced R&D Manager to lead the development of new and existing coatings products. The role partners with Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Sales, Marketing, and technical teams to drive product launches, scale-up, and commercialization.

You will mentor scientists and technicians, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, and guide formulation optimization and process improvements across laboratory and manufacturing stages.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a chemistry-based field required, with strong background in coatings.
• 10-15+ years of R&D experience in coating-based manufacturing.
• Experience leading multiple projects and teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and written/verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead research and development efforts for new and existing products, including formulation design, testing, and evaluation
• Manage product development projects from concept through commercialization, ensuring projects stay on schedule
• Oversee laboratory operations, experimental testing, data analysis, and technical documentation
• Identify opportunities to improve product performance, quality, manufacturability, and cost efficiency
• Support transition of new products from lab to manufacturing, including pilot production and process optimization
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Sales, Marketing, and Technical teams to support launches
• Troubleshoot formulation, processing, and manufacturing challenges and provide technical guidance
• Develop and maintain technical specifications, testing procedures, reports, and project documentation
• Lead, coach, and develop scientists, chemists, technicians, and other technical personnel
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety, quality systems, regulatory requirements, and company policies
• Evaluate new materials, technologies, and industry trends to support innovation and continuous improvement
• Present technical findings, project updates, and recommendations to leadership and stakeholders

Skills

Leadership

Formulation design

Project management

Data analysis

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring

Regulatory awareness

Communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or related field

Master's or Ph.D. preferred

Job description

The R&D Manager leads the research and development function, overseeing product development, formulation activities, laboratory operations, and technical project execution. This role is responsible for managing the development of new products while driving continuous improvement of existing formulations to support business growth and customer needs. The R&D Manager collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product development, manufacturing scale-up, and commercialization. This position also provides technical leadership, mentors R&D staff, and promotes a culture of innovation, quality, and safety

• Lead research and development efforts for new and existing products, including formulation design, testing, and evaluation
• Manage product development projects from concept through commercialization, ensuring projects remain on schedule and aligned with business objectives
• Oversee laboratory operations, experimental testing, data analysis, and technical documentation
• Identify opportunities to improve product performance, quality, manufacturability, and cost efficiency
• Support the transition of new products from laboratory development to manufacturing, including pilot production and process optimization
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Sales, Marketing, and Technical teams to support product launches and customer needs
• Troubleshoot formulation, processing, and manufacturing challenges while providing technical guidance to internal teams
• Develop and maintain technical specifications, testing procedures, reports, and project documentation
• Lead, coach, and develop scientists, chemists, technicians, and other technical personnel
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures, quality systems, regulatory requirements, and company policies
• Evaluate new raw materials, technologies, and industry trends to support innovation and continuous improvement
• Present technical findings, project updates, and recommendations to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders
• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related scientific discipline (Master's or Ph.D. preferred)
• 10 - 15+ years of research and development experience within coating-based manufacturing
• Previous direct leadership experience within an R&D environment
• Experience with product development, formulation optimization, manufacturing scale-up, and commercialization
• Strong understanding of formulation chemistry, materials science, and product development processes
• Proven ability to lead multiple technical projects while meeting deadlines and business objectives
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate across technical and commercial teams
• Experience maintaining technical documentation, laboratory records, and testing protocols
• Demonstrated ability to build, mentor, and develop high-performing technical teams
• Working knowledge of quality systems, laboratory safety practices, and applicable regulatory standards
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment