Senior Polymer R&D Manager: From Lab to Launch

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

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.