Senior Research Project Manager

CPS, Inc.; King of Prussia (PA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K

Job summary

CPS, Inc. is seeking an experienced R&D leader to drive chemistry-driven product development initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years in chemical product development, Stage-Gate expertise, and the ability to translate market needs into actionable product requirements. Lead cross-functional teams, manage NPD programs from concept to commercialization, and closely collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, and Customer groups to ensure successful scale-up and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline such as Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science.
• 7+ years of progressive chemical product development / R&D experience.
• Proven experience leading New Product Development (NPD) from concept through commercialization.
• Strong Stage-Gate project management experience.
• Experience working with customers to understand technical needs and provide project support.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional R&D programs from concept through commercialization.
• Manage new product development, reformulation, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Develop timelines, budgets, resources, and risk assessments.
• Coordinate formulation development, testing, and validation.
• Plan lab, field, and application testing.
• Develop technical reports, product claims, and documentation.
• Partner with Manufacturing and Quality during scale-up.
• Support regulatory compliance including SDS, HazCom, VOC, labeling, and stewardship.
• Coordinate packaging readiness with Marketing and Supply Chain.
• Work with customers, Sales, and Marketing to translate market needs into requirements.
• Monitor competitors and suggest portfolio improvements.
• Develop best practices for project management and continuous improvement.
• Mentor and supervise a team of 2–3 direct reports.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

R&D leadership

NPD project management

Customer technical service

Technical writing

Stage-Gate expertise

Education

Bachelor's in Chemistry / Chemical Eng / Materials Science

Job description

Exciting opportunity for an experienced R&D professional to lead innovative chemical product development projects with a growing organization. They are seeking a Chemistry / Technical Leader with 7+ years of R&D experience, proven commercial success, Stage-Gate expertise, customer technical service experience, and experience with products such as lubricants, cleaners, coatings, or aerosol technologies.

Duties

• Lead cross-functional research and development programs from concept through commercialization.
• Manage new product development, reformulation, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Develop project timelines, budgets, resource plans, and risk assessments.
• Coordinate formulation development and product validation.
• Plan laboratory testing, field trials, and application testing.
• Develop technical reports, product claims, and technical documentation.
• Partner with Manufacturing and Quality during pilot and production scale-up.
• Support regulatory compliance including SDS, VOC, labeling, and product stewardship.
• Coordinate packaging readiness with Marketing and Supply Chain.
• Work directly with customers, Sales, and Marketing to translate market needs into product requirements.
• Monitor competitive products and recommend portfolio improvements.
• Develop best practices for project management and continuous improvement within R&D.
• Mentor and supervise a team of 2-3 direct reports.

Salary

$130,000 - $140,000

Benefits

• M/D/V/401K

Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical discipline.
• 7+ years of progressive chemical product development / R&D experience.
• Proven experience leading New Product Development (NPD) programs from concept through commercialization.
• Strong Stage-Gate project management experience.
• Experience working directly with customers to understand technical needs and provide project support.
• Experience leading formulation development, laboratory testing, and product validation.
• Manufacturing scale-up and pilot plant experience.
• Working knowledge of SDS, HazCom, VOC regulations, labeling, packaging, and product stewardship.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.
• Ability to travel for customer visits, manufacturing trials, and field testing.