Innovation Group Leader

FLSA Status: Exempt | Grade Level: S-10 | Department: Innovation | Reports To: Director of Innovation

About the Role

Manages a team of chemists, scientists, and technicians to execute pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape prototype development, scale-up, and product launch across various applications. Focuses on platform technology development, new product development for customer-driven projects, and continuous improvement of existing products and processes. Emphasizes acrylic polymer synthesis, silicone and rubber adhesive formulations, PSA rheology, tape assemblies, backing material selection, and release liner familiarity. Works with customers and AR teams to collect design input and develop new product design strategies.

Responsibilities

• Establishes and directs research programs for new product development and product/process improvement of current products.
• Leads complex basic research and/or product development projects.
• Facilitates development of product constructions and processes; designs and conducts chemical experiments on lab- and production-scale.
• Designs and specifies production-scale processes and contributes to product validation.
• Conducts and directs laboratory work to develop new PSA and tape assemblies, including polymerization, formulation, coating, and testing.
• Develops new products that lead to sustainable commercial revenue and completes necessary regulatory forms.
• Ensures team adherence to protocols and procedures.
• Implements and executes product development aligned with Stage Gate timelines and sets prioritization with the Director of Innovation and Product Management team.
• Meets technical commitments to complete project progression dates and milestones on time.
• Drives patent strategy (reading, planning, and execution) within the team to align with goals established by the Director of Innovation.
• Consults with Director of Innovation, Product Management, Operations, Quality, and Sales personnel on group priorities and strategy.
• Actively participates in setting overall Innovation direction and strategy, including business planning processes.
• Establishes program priorities, objectives, and responsibilities for the group and ensures effective communication of Innovation program progress.
• Functions as a technical lead on product development teams, driving prototypes to commercial products and translating findings into impactful business revenue.
• Participates in and occasionally leads the establishment and implementation of R&D policies and procedures.
• Interfaces with customers on new product applications and networks externally to maintain the highest level of competence.
• Develops skills within the team, evaluates performance, and mentors associates to promote a collaborative work environment.
• Executes annual performance reviews.
• Makes identifiable and substantial contributions to continuous improvement while adhering to ISO-9001 and GMP guidelines.
• Ensures proper disposal of hazardous waste into labeled containers and drums.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

• BS degree (or higher) in chemistry, chemical engineering, polymer science, or materials science and/or significant industrial experience. Ph.D. preferred but not required.
• Greater than 3 years of adhesive formulation, mixing process, and coating process experience.
• Detailed knowledge of chemical and physical test methods for PSA characterization and aptitude for using sensitive test equipment.
• Basic understanding of adhesive chemistries (acrylic, silicone, rubber) and coating technologies.
• Understanding of adhesive tape constructions (backing materials, release liner selection, adhesive chemistries).
• Knowledge of PSA rheology, dynamic mechanical analysis, and other physical polymer characterization methods.
• Supervisory experience preferred, with experience managing a team of scientists in product development, technology platform expansion, and patent filing.
• Demonstrated technology and/or product development capability.
• Expertise in Stage Gate processes and moving projects through the pipeline with discipline, efficiency, and accountability.
• Excellent program prioritization and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse, disciplined team environment with limited supervision and drive project execution independently.
• Agility to adapt to changing priorities, proactively anticipate obstacles, and seek alternative solutions to meet customer design inputs and timelines.
• Fluent in English with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of company information.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop and present effective technical presentations to internal and external customers.
• Proficiency in computers and related software (Microsoft preferred), including statistical analysis techniques and design of experiments software.