R&D- Colorant Technical Manager

Sherwin-Williams’ Colorant Group at Accurate Dispersions is seeking a Technical Manager to lead development activities for the Industrial Colorants group.

About the role

This role will develop close partnerships with the Performance Coatings Group’s business units and Global Supply Chain to identify needs, define projects, and set priorities for Sherwin-Williams’ global industrial colorant platforms—from development through commercialization. The position also drives exploratory research strategies to investigate new technologies and address market needs. Access to confidential and proprietary information is required; a criminal-history review is part of the hiring process.

10% travel is expected.

Responsibilities

• Manage technical staff and drive R&D projects from ideation to market implementation of new colorant formulations for internal and external partners.
• Lead and oversee multiple industrial colorant portfolios across Sherwin-Williams’ critical business segments—automotive, aerospace, industrial wood, coil, packaging, and general industrial—ensuring strategic alignment, formula integrity, regulatory compliance, and timely execution of product development and commercialization initiatives.
• Contribute to idea creation and proactively scout, identify, and drive new technology, product, and process opportunities, including competitive landscape monitoring.
• Manage an existing colorant product portfolio related to quality, regulatory compliance, cost savings, supply chain, production initiatives, and IP environment.
• Align with and update the Group Director on resources, key project milestones, and budget as assigned.
• Monitor markets and trends related to technologies and materials.
• Collaborate with partners to deliver opportunities for new technologies, sustainable ingredients, or process improvements.
• Support growth and career development for a team of chemists, lab technicians, and scientists.
• Ensure lab practices comply with internal standards and external regulations.
• Serve as a role model for processes and Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) activities in the R&D centers.

Requirements

• Legally authorized to work in the country for which you are applying.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math field.
• At least 5 years of supervisory experience.
• 5+ years of product development and/or formulation experience.
• Knowledge and experience in coating formulation, processing, and product commercialization; fundamental knowledge of material science for industrial product development.
• Experience in project management with a track record of successfully completed complex projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Qualifications

• Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry.
• Preferred: 7 years of supervisory experience.
• Preferred: Experience in colorant dispersions, pigment development, and/or solvent-borne paint.
• Preferred: Stage-gate leadership experience within New Product Development (NPD) with a proven track record of taking products from idea to launch, including complete technical responsibility for R&D (prototyping, testing, manufacturing).
• Preferred: Strong skills in personnel and team development, working with both professional and non-professional reports.

Benefits

• Health benefits: medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• Disability coverage.
• Retirement and savings benefits.
• Generous time-away-from-work package: personal leave, paid parental leave, medical leave, vacation, and holidays.
• Performance-based bonus.

About Us

At Sherwin-Williams, our purpose is to inspire and improve the world by coloring and protecting what matters. Our paints, coatings, and innovative solutions make the places and spaces in our world brighter and stronger. We invest in our employees through:

• Life: Rewards, benefits, and flexibility to enhance health and well-being.
• Career: Opportunities to learn, develop new skills, and grow contributions.
• Connection: An inclusive team and commitment to our communities.