Technical Manager (Chemicals/Adhesives)

Specialized Recruiting Group - Raleigh-Durham, NC; North Carolina; On-site; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

Specialized Recruiting Group is seeking a Technical Manager in the Durham, NC area to lead a local technical team focused on new product development (NPD) and quality control (QC) for a specialty chemicals/adhesives organization. This is a direct hire opportunity in RTP, not temporary.

You will oversee day-to-day technical operations, mentor team members, and drive high-quality results across projects and quality systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related science (or equivalent).
• 5+ years in adhesives, coatings, polymers, formulation development, or related chemistry/manufacturing fields.
• Proven experience or potential for leading and managing technical teams.
• Strong technical background with chemical manufacturing experience preferred.
• Excellent communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Organized, proactive with attention to detail and continuous improvement mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the local technical team in NPD and QC activities.
• Manage the regional project portfolio, timelines, and cross-functional resource coordination.
• Maintain EHS compliance, risk assessments, and laboratory SOPs.
• Uphold and improve quality systems (ISO 9001) and technical documentation.
• Provide technical guidance, support product development and quality investigations, and collaborate with commercial and marketing teams.
• Drive process improvements and maintain a safe working environment.

Skills

Leadership

NPD

QC

Project management

ISO 9001

Communication

Chemistry

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Job description

Technical Manager - Chemistry & Manufacturing Leadership | Durham, NC

Our recruiting firm is seeking an experienced Technical Manager to lead a local technical team focused on new product development (NPD) and quality control (QC) for a specialty chemicals/adhesives organization. This is a direct hire (long-term) opportunity in the RTP area (not temporary/contract).

About the Role

You will oversee day-to-day technical operations, mentor and develop team members, and drive high-quality results across projects and quality systems. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity that combines technical expertise with people management and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the local technical team in NPD and QC activities


• Manage the regional project portfolio, timelines, and cross-functional resource coordination


• Maintain EHS compliance, risk assessments, and laboratory SOPs


• Uphold and improve quality systems (ISO 9001) and technical documentation


• Provide technical guidance, support product development and quality investigations, and collaborate with commercial and marketing teams


• Drive process improvements and maintain an efficient, safe working environment

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline (or equivalent experience)


• 5+ years of experience in adhesives, coatings, polymers, formulation development, or related chemistry/manufacturing fields


• Proven experience or potential for leading and managing technical teams


• Strong technical background with chemical manufacturing experience preferred


• Excellent communication skills and the ability to present to both technical and non-technical audiences


• Organized, proactive approach with strong attention to detail and continuous improvement mindset

Compensation

Starting base salary - $120,000+ (based on experience), plus competitive benefits.