R&D Manager - Polyurethanes & Thermoplastics

TRCC; Dalton (GA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical (3 plans offered)

Dental (2 plans offered)

Vision

Long-Term Disability

Basic Life Insurance

Voluntary Life Insurance

Flexible Spending Account

Health Savings Account

401(k) contribution from day one

Paid time off

Job summary

A leading advanced chemical solutions company in Dalton, Georgia is seeking an experienced R&D Manager for the Polyurethane & Thermoplastics lab. This role involves managing R&D efforts to meet organizational needs and drive product innovation. Candidates must have at least 10 years of experience in specialty chemical R&D, with strong knowledge of PU chemistry and previous success in product commercialization. The position is on-site, with no remote work options available.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in specialty chemical research and development.
• Strong track record in product commercialization.
• Proven ability to drive innovation.

Responsibilities

• Manage R&D programs for new and current products.
• Oversee R&D staff and ensure scientific knowledge transfer.
• Develop and review R&D operating budgets.
• Provides technical support for product development and commercialization.
• Mentors and motivates lab personnel; communicates progress to stakeholders.
• Travel domestically and internationally to provide technical support.

Skills

PU chemistry knowledge

Manufacturing processes knowledge

Advanced engineering software familiarity

Product development strategies

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

SAP

Lab instrumentation

Process simulation software

Job description

R&D Manager – Polyurethanes Ortega thermoplastics

Join to apply for the R&D Manager – Polyurethanes Ortega thermoplastics role at TRCC.

At TRCC, innovation isn’t just a department. It’s part of our DNA. Headquartered in the heart of Northwest Georgia, TRCC has grown from a latex supplier to a global leader in advanced chemical solutions, with a footprint that spans every continent. Located in Dalton, Georgia – proudly known as the “Carpet Capital of the World” – the area offers an exceptional quality of life, scenic beauty, low cost of living, thriving communities, and convenient access to both Atlanta and Chattanooga.

We are currently hiring an experienced R&D Manager for our Polyurethane & Thermoplastics lab who will manage and direct the research and development programs to meet organizational needs, capitalize on potential new products, and sustain current products with new technology.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Employee must pass a fitness for duty test, drug screen and submit to a TB test on a post‑offer employment physical.
• Oversees R&D employees in the Polyurethane and Thermoplastic areas.
• Oversees schedules and assignments for the department.
• Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.
• Handles discipline and termination of employees as needed in accordance with company policy.
• Works with CCO to develop R&D operating budget.
• Delivers progress and reports to CCO as requested.
• Provides new innovative ideas and transforms them into commercialization concepts and presents them to management team and customers.
• Provides technical support for product development and commercialization of new and current products for the manufacturing department.
• Ability to formulate and modify products based on customer needs.
• Develops process specification and ensures training and transfer of scientific knowledge to QA and operations.
• Creates accurate toekomstige & specifications for products and raw materials.
• Provides support for documentation, labeling, and regulatory compliance.
• Supports R&D members with identification of ingredients and sourcing.
• Follow safety protocols and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Performs other related duties as necessary or assigned.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Strong knowledge of PU chemistry and applications (10+ years of experience with a proven innovation track record) focusing on research & formulation development that leads to new product commercialization.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and industry standards.
• Familiarity with advanced engineering software and tools used in product design and analysis.
• Proven track record of driving innovation and bringing new products to market successfully.
• Experience in developing and implementing product development strategies that result in improved performance and a competitive advantage.
• Ability to present complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Results‑driven with a focus on meeting project timelines and delivering high‑quality products.
• Self‑starter that can work independently and manage a team of chemists/technicians.
• Excellent communicator that will present progress and plans on a timely basis, acting as a key contributor to the Technical/Commercial/Operational collaborations.
• Ideally a strong manager who can mentor and motivate the PU lab personnel.
• Solid interpersonal skills allowing for critical customer interactions.
• Ability to quickly identify and develop solutions to technical problems.
• Available to travel on a limited basis domestically and internationally to provide technical support.
• Working knowledge of SAP.

Required Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, required.
• Minimum of 10 years experience in specialty chemical research andgt development, required.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk while using a computer and phone.
• Prolonged periods of standing while working at the lab workbench.
• Work typically performed in a temperature‑controlled and noise‑controlled environment.
• The job is normally performed in a quiet environment; however, there can be unexpected, sudden loud noises, beeping backup alarms, flashing lights, and sudden movements.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times by lifting, pulling or pushing.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds by reaching above the shoulders.
• Must be able to pass a respirator certification and wear different types of respiratory equipment.

Work Schedule

• Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Work environment is on site. Remote work not offered for this position.

Pay Range

• Pay range is based on verifiable experience and education level.

Benefits (effective after 30 days, except as noted below)

• Medical (3 plans offered)
• Dental (2 plans offered)
• Vision
• Long‑Term Disability
• Basic Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• 401(k) (can begin contribution upon hire)
• armor Paid time available Discord

The completion of a TRCC application will be required to be considered for the position. Any incomplete applications will not be considered. Submitting a resume in lieu of an application is not acceptable, and incomplete applications will not be considered.

TRCC is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please do not call or email the company on behalf of a search firm. All resumes submitted by search firms without a valid written search agreement will be deemed the sole property of TRCC. No fee will be paidик if a candidate is hired by TRCC as a result of a referral or other<>();