Director of Strategic R&D Initiatives

About the role

Trane Technologies is seeking a Director of Strategic R&D Initiatives to join our Advanced Concepts and Capabilities. This pivotal position will drive visionary strategies and operational actions to build global research and business partnerships, secure external grant funding, and support Trane Technologies’ sustainability and advanced technology goals. This leader will be empowered to cultivate aligned research and development partnerships, accelerate commercialization, and enable our continued leadership in climate innovation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategies to establish and expand global research, academic, and executive-level business partnerships in advanced technologies aligned with company objectives.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with key universities, laboratories, industry partners, and thought leaders.
• Manage, develop, and mentor a high-performing interdisciplinary team, fostering enterprise-wide collaboration.
• Identify, pursue, and secure collaborative research and technology demonstration opportunities supporting sustainability and new product development targets.
• Lead efforts to secure external funding—including government grants, cooperative agreements, and sponsorships—for collaborative R&D initiatives.
• Create and maintain governance structures, operational processes, and standard work leveraging best practices for partnership assessment, selection, implementation, alignment, and feedback.
• Define meaningful metrics, track progress against goals, and communicate results and program status to executive and business leadership.
• Collaborate with Trane Technologies’ Legal team to create, maintain, and negotiate Cooperation Agreements, Letters of Intent, Grant Agreements, IP protection, and NDAs.
• Represent Trane Technologies externally with professionalism and integrity to enhance company visibility and advocacy in the research community.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or related technical field; advanced degree strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in business development, research program management, or a related technical leadership role—preferably within HVAC, climate solutions, or advanced technology sectors.
• Demonstrated success building and managing strategic partnerships with industry partners, universities, national laboratories and start-ups.
• Experience developing operational processes and best practices for partnerships and technology commercialization.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, including mentoring and talent development.
• Excellent communication, project management and presentation abilities with experience interacting with executive stakeholders and technical audiences.

Pay

Annual Base Salary Range: $198,993.33 – $268,730.00

Compensation Type: Salary

Incentive Eligible: Yes

Sales Commission Eligible: No

Benefits

• Benefits kick in on DAY ONE for you and your family, including health insurance and holistic wellness programs that include generous incentives.
• Family building benefits include fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy assistance.
• Paid time off includes up to 15 vacation days, paid holidays, sick leave, and additional options to support volunteer and parental leave.
• 401(k) match up, educational and training opportunities through company programs along with tuition assistance and student debt support.

Safety Sensitive Role: No