R&D Leader

J.M. Huber Corporation; Georgia; On-site; USD 106,900 - 138,800; Full time

Job summary

J.M. Huber Corporation's HAM division seeks an R&D Leader to direct global research and development, guiding short- and long-term product initiatives.

The role requires close collaboration with market directors, product management and operations to ensure R&D aligns with business objectives. The successful candidate will manage a diverse team of researchers, oversee timelines and budgets, identify emerging technologies, and build external partnerships.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years in research and development.
• Proven track record launching global products or technologies.
• Profound knowledge of innovation management principles.
• Strong leadership of cross-functional, multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience translating research into market-ready applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D strategy for HAM and global product development initiatives.
• Direct a diverse team of researchers and scientists, manage timelines.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales and manufacturing to align with market needs.
• Oversee an innovation process and external partnerships to drive results.
• Ensure projects meet timelines, budgets, and regulatory requirements.

Skills

R&D Leadership

Product Launch Experience

Innovation Management

Project Management

Strategic Thinking

Analytical Skills

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemistry / Chemical Engineering / Materials Science

Job description

J.M. Huber Corporation is one of the largest privately held, family-owned companies in the United States. Established in 1883, we are a diversified, global supplier of specialty and commodity chemicals, hydrocolloid solutions, engineered wood products and natural resources to customers spanning a wide variety of industries. With approximately $3 billion in sales and 4,000 employees worldwide, we have a material presence in more than 20 countries.

About Huber Advanced Materials

Huber Advanced Materials, a division of J.M. Huber Corporation, specializes in delivering high-quality specialty materials tailored for diverse industries. This unit is dedicated to the development and production of engineered materials, including mineral-based fire retardant and smoke suppression additives, as well as performance-enhancing additives. Our innovative products serve a wide range of sectors, such as plastics, paints and coatings, adhesives, and construction materials.

The key features of Huber Advanced Materials include:

• Innovation and Technology: Huber invests in research and development to create advanced materials that meet the evolving needs of its customers, fostering innovation in product applications.
• Sustainability: The business unit emphasizes environmentally friendly practices, striving to produce materials that boost sustainability in manufacturing processes and end products.
• Customized Solutions: Huber Advanced Materials is known for its ability to provide tailored solutions that cater to the specific requirements of its customers, enhancing the performance of their products.
• Global Reach: With a presence in multiple countries, the unit utilizes a global distribution network to deliver its products efficiently, ensuring that customers worldwide have access to their innovative materials.
• Quality and Reliability: Huber has established a reputation for high-quality products, offering reliable solutions that industries can trust for their operational needs.

Position Summary

The R&D Leader will direct the research and development strategy for Huber Advanced Materials (HAM), driving innovative short to long term product development initiatives on a global scale. This role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including market directors, product management, and operations, to ensure that R&D efforts align with business objectives and respond effectively to market demands.

Key responsibilities include leading a diverse team of researchers and scientists, managing project timelines, and ensuring adherence to industry regulations. The Leader will also identify emerging trends and technologies, develop a sustainable innovation strategy, and forge strategic partnerships with external research organizations and consultants. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership abilities, a thorough understanding of product development processes, and a proven track record of converting innovative ideas into successful market-ready products.

This position oversees operations at our innovation center in the USA, promoting technical excellence while fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and scientific rigor among R&D teams. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in driving cultural change as the business evolves toward becoming a solution provider in both existing and emerging markets. Additionally, they will champion the Huber Vision and Principles, focusing on the development of professional and leadership competencies across all business unit employees.

This role presents a unique opportunity to shape the future of our product offerings and significantly contribute to the growth of Huber Advanced Materials.

• Innovation Strategy Development: Assist in the formulation and execution of comprehensive innovation strategies that align with the company’s long-term objectives and market positioning.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Coach cross-functional teams to explore, evaluate, and capitalize on new business opportunities and technological advancements.
• Structured Innovation Process: Assist in the establishment and maintenance of a systematic innovation process that fosters creativity and encourages robust exploration of new ideas.
• Product Development Oversight: Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, ensuring seamless transitions from ideation to commercialization.
• Collaboration for Market-Driven Innovation: Partner closely with marketing, sales, and manufacturing teams to ensure that product innovations meet customer needs and align with market trends.
• Industry Trend Monitoring: Continuously monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to identify potential opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage.
• Budget & Resource Management: Effectively manage budgets and provide recommendations for allocation of resources to meet project timelines and objectives, ensuring optimal use of organizational resources.
• Research to Application Translation: Oversee the conversion of research findings into practical applications, ensuring that innovative solutions translate into viable business opportunities.
• Continuous Improvement Culture: Encourage a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the R&D department, encouraging team members to seek out new methods and approaches.
• Risk-Taking and Experimentation: Promote an organizational culture that embraces risk-taking, experimentation, and continuous learning, empowering teams to push boundaries.
• Talent Development: Mentor and develop high-potential talent within the organization, promoting an innovative mindset and skills at every level of the team.

Specialized/Technical Knowledge or Required Skills

• Educational Background: Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline (e.g., Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science).
• Experience: A minimum of 5+ years of experience in research and development.
• Product Launch Expertise: Demonstrated success in launching new products or technologies on a global scale, showcasing a strong market impact.
• Innovation Management Insight: Profound knowledge of innovation management principles and practices, software & best practices.
• Project Management Proficiency: Skilled in project management methodologies and tools, with a track record of delivering projects on time and within budget.
• Strategic and Analytical Skills: Strong strategic thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities that drive decision-making and innovation.
• Leadership and Team Management: Proven leadership and team management capabilities, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to influence and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities with ease.

Total Rewards

J.M. Huber Corporation complies with all local/state regulations requiring salary range transparency.

Any offered salary is determined based on relevant factors such as an applicant's skills, performance, job responsibilities, prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications and market considerations.

U.S. Market-Based Base Salary Range

[$106,900.00 - $138,800.00]

In addition to base compensation, individuals may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and profit-sharing payout.

Huber also offers a comprehensive, competitive benefits package as detailed on the Huber Benefits Hub.

Our employees are our strongest asset, and their safety, health, and well-being is our highest priority. We respect the individual by providing opportunities for professional and personal development. Our Principles drive us to create an inclusive workplace where employees share core values, show dignity and respect toward others, and work hard to achieve their best performance.

J.M. Huber Corporation is an EEO employer. Pre-employment drug screening is required.