R&D Applications Lab Lead – Wood Coatings

The Sherwin-Williams Company; Greensboro (NC); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sherwin-Williams Company is seeking an R&D Manager, Commercial Applications, to lead the application laboratory and act as the technical expert for product application, rheology, and performance optimization within the Industrial Wood division. This role supports development, testing, and training, coordinating with customers to validate products and drive adoption.

Responsibilities include supervising staff, training internal and external customers, and aligning lab capabilities with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM).
• 5+ years of management/leadership experience in matrix environments.
• Knowledge of Industrial Wood Coatings application equipment and rheology.
• Knowledge of solvent-borne and UV coating chemistries.
• Proficiency in MS Office and presentation tools; strong communication skills.
• Experience leading customer training and field support.

Responsibilities

• Lead the application laboratory and act as technical expert for product application.
• Support product development, testing, and customer implementation.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external customers to validate products.
• Provide hands-on support during customer trials and resolve technical challenges.
• Develop and maintain IW application procedures aligned with line audits.
• Coach and mentor team to ensure timely project completion.
• Plan equipment maintenance and capital investments.
• Provide training to customers and staff at sites and trade shows.
• Manage line audits and scheduling to minimize variation.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Project management

Coatings knowledge

Rheology

Coatings chemistry

Customer training

MS Office

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Tools

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Video conferencing

Job description

The Sherwin-Williams Company is seeking an R&D Manager, Commercial Applications, to lead the application laboratory and act as the technical expert for product application, rheology, and performance optimization within the Industrial Wood division. This role supports development, testing, and training, coordinating with customers to validate products and drive adoption.

Responsibilities include supervising staff, training internal and external customers, and aligning lab capabilities with