VP of Product Technology - Paint & Coatings

BlueWorx Staffing; El Reno (OK); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

BlueWorx seeks a Vice President of Technology to lead paint and coatings technology strategy and operations in El Reno, OK. This executive role will oversee Laboratory Operations, R&D, QC, QA, and Color Development, driving formulation excellence and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in coatings technology, product development, and technical leadership, with the ability to align technology with business goals and manufacturing quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level technical degree in chemistry or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in technology teams.
• 5+ years overseeing multiple technical departments (R&D, QC, QA, lab).
• Knowledge of VOC, OSHA, EPA, ASTM, ISO regulatory standards.
• Ability to translate technical strategies into business results.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic leadership across Laboratory, R&D, QC, QA, and color development.
• Develop and execute a multi-year technology roadmap aligned with growth.
• Oversee regulatory compliance and quality management programs.
• Drive product development, formulation excellence, and color accuracy.
• Partner with executive team on long-term business strategy.
• Build and mentor high-performing technical teams.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Cross-functional leadership

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related

Tools

Color-matching software

LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems)

Job description

VP of Product Technology – Paint & Coatings | $130K–$160K | BlueWorx

Location: El Reno, OK
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: $130,000–$160,000/year (DOE)
Position Level: Executive Leadership
Industry: Paint & Coatings Manufacturing

BlueWorx is seeking an experienced Vice President of Technology to lead the technical operations of an established paint and coatings manufacturing organization in El Reno, OK.

This executive leadership position will oversee Laboratory Operations, Research & Development (R&D), Quality Control (QC), Quality Assurance (QA), and Color Development, bringing these departments together under a unified technology and innovation strategy.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in paint and coatings technology, chemical formulations, product development, quality management, and technical leadership. This position requires an individual who can develop long-term technology strategies while remaining actively involved in technical decision-making, product innovation, and manufacturing quality.

Position Overview

The VP of Technology will be responsible for developing and executing the organization's technology roadmap while ensuring product performance, formulation excellence, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement.

This individual will work closely with the COO and executive leadership team to align technical capabilities with business objectives, customer requirements, and future growth opportunities.

The position requires a combination of executive-level leadership, technical expertise, and hands-on problem-solving ability.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Technology Development

• Develop and execute a multi-year technology and innovation strategy aligned with company growth objectives

• Provide executive leadership across Laboratory, R&D, QC, QA, and Color departments

• Establish clear departmental priorities, accountability, and performance expectations

• Align technical operations with manufacturing, sales, supply chain, and organizational objectives

• Manage departmental budgets, staffing plans, and capital equipment investments

• Identify opportunities to improve technical capabilities, operational efficiency, and product performance

• Represent technology and innovation initiatives during executive planning and board-level discussions

• Partner with the COO and executive team on long-term business strategy

Research & Development (R&D)

• Lead new product development and improvements to existing paint and coatings formulations

• Direct research involving coatings chemistry, resins, additives, and emerging formulation technologies

• Establish R&D priorities based on commercial opportunities, technical feasibility, and available resources

• Guide technical teams through formulation challenges and product development initiatives

• Support sustainability initiatives and evolving customer requirements

• Build relationships with raw material suppliers, industry organizations, and academic partners

• Evaluate emerging technologies and opportunities for product innovation

Color Development & Technology

• Oversee color matching, color development, and color technology systems

• Ensure consistent color accuracy across product lines

• Maintain color quality standards that meet customer specifications

• Evaluate and implement improvements to color-matching equipment, software, and automation

• Support technical teams in resolving complex color-related issues

Quality Control & Quality Assurance

• Provide leadership for QC testing programs and QA management systems

• Ensure products meet internal specifications, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory standards

• Oversee compliance with ASTM, ISO, EPA, OSHA, and VOC-related requirements

• Lead root-cause investigations involving product defects, manufacturing issues, and customer complaints

• Develop and implement corrective and preventive action initiatives

• Establish quality performance metrics and continuous improvement objectives

• Promote data-driven decision-making and consistent quality practices

Laboratory Operations

• Oversee laboratory operations supporting product development, formulation testing, and routine quality evaluations

• Ensure laboratory equipment, staffing, and resources support organizational objectives

• Maintain laboratory safety, testing accuracy, and regulatory compliance

• Improve laboratory efficiency, documentation, and technical processes

• Support investments in laboratory technology, testing equipment, and instrumentation

Executive & Team Leadership

• Lead and develop department managers and technical professionals across all five functions

• Recruit, mentor, and retain high-performing technical talent

• Establish succession plans and leadership development opportunities

• Promote collaboration between technical departments and manufacturing operations

• Build accountability and consistent communication across teams

• Serve as a trusted technical advisor to executive leadership

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline

• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience

• 5+ years managing multiple technical departments or functions simultaneously

• Strong technical understanding of product development, formulation, laboratory operations, and quality systems

• Demonstrated ability to translate technical strategies into measurable business results

• Proven experience building, leading, and developing technical teams

• Knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements, including VOC regulations, OSHA, EPA, ASTM, and ISO standards

• Strong strategic planning, organizational, and decision-making abilities

• Excellent communication and executive leadership skills

• Ability to collaborate across technical, manufacturing, and business functions

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in paint, coatings, chemical, or related manufacturing environments

• Strong understanding of coatings chemistry, formulation development, and product performance

• Experience overseeing multiple technical departments, including R&D, QC, QA, and laboratory operations

• Experience integrating or restructuring technical departments

• Familiarity with color-matching software and laboratory information management systems (LIMS)

• Experience presenting technical strategies and performance results to executive leadership or a board of directors

• Experience leading technology initiatives in a manufacturing organization

• Background in continuous improvement and quality management

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to work in office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, bend, kneel, and reach as required

• Ability to occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds

• Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception

• Ability to communicate effectively with technical teams, department leaders, and executives

• Ability to work in environments requiring attention to laboratory and manufacturing safety procedures
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