R&D Manager

Job Summary

Lead and support R&D activities covering product development, formulation development, laboratory testing, pilot runs, product commercialization, technical documentation, BOM management, and continuous product improvement. The role will also provide technical support to cross-functional teams and lead the development and performance of R&D team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support new product development and formulation improvement.
• Evaluate formulations, packaging components, propellants and product compatibility.
• Plan and review laboratory testing, stability testing and product validation.
• Coordinate pilot runs with Production and QA/QC.
• Support technology transfer and product scale-up from laboratory to commercial production.
• Provide technical support to Production, QA/QC, Procurement, Marketing, Sales and customers.
• Investigate formulation, manufacturing and product quality issues.
• Prepare and maintain SOPs, Work Instructions, Technical Specifications and Formulation Records.
• Create and maintain Product BOMs in Microsoft Dynamics NAV.
• Lead product development projects from concept through commercialization.
• Lead, coach and develop R&D Chemists and Laboratory Technicians.
• Ensure compliance with ISO, regulatory, safety and 5S requirements.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer/Materials Science or equivalent.
• Minimum 5–8 years of relevant working experience in the paint, coating or similar chemical industry, preferably with supervisory or managerial experience.
• Strong technical knowledge in paint/coating formulation, raw materials, product development and performance testing.
• Proven hands-on experience in new product development, formulation improvement, troubleshooting and laboratory-to-production scale-up.
• Strong knowledge of coating raw materials such as resins, pigments, solvents and additives.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting capabilities, particularly in resolving color, viscosity, adhesion, drying, appearance, stability and other coating performance issues.
• Experience in raw material evaluation, supplier qualification, cost-down projects and alternative material sourcing.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to coach and develop R&D Chemists and technical personnel.

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Maternity leave
• Opportunities for promotion
• Professional development

Work Location: In person