R&D Manager

LaSalle Network is partnering with a leading automotive aftermarket products organization to hire an R&D Manager to lead research, product development, and innovation initiatives within the business unit.

About the role

This role will be responsible for developing differentiated products, leading technical teams, evaluating emerging technologies, managing product formulation and testing, and driving new products from concept through launch. The ideal candidate is an experienced R&D leader with a strong background in lubricant chemistry, automotive products, and new product development who can translate market needs and technical opportunities into profitable business solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the R&D function and supervise technical teams responsible for research, product development, testing, and commercialization
• Support business strategy through market trend analysis, competitive research, technology evaluation, and claims development
• Lead new product development initiatives from ideation through formulation, testing, qualification, manufacturing scale-up, and launch
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of innovative products that address customer needs and create differentiated market opportunities
• Provide technical expertise in lubricant chemistry and automotive oils and industrial fluids
• Manage product performance testing, qualification, validation, and competitive comparisons
• Partner with Marketing and business leadership to translate customer needs, market trends, and emerging technologies into product opportunities
• Establish and manage project milestones, timelines, budgets, and key performance indicators
• Lead continuous product differentiation and process improvement initiatives
• Develop strong relationships with suppliers, universities, customers, and other external technical partners
• Collaborate with other business units to assess opportunities, build capabilities, and accelerate innovation
• Support product lifecycle planning and maintain strong supplier relationships
• Apply stage-gate processes and 80/20 management principles to prioritize and execute R&D initiatives
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, innovative, and solution-oriented R&D culture
• Maintain a strong focus on safety, quality, and regulatory requirements
• Travel as needed to support customers, suppliers, partners, and business initiatives

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related technical field; Master's degree preferred
• 10+ years of experience leading technical or R&D teams
• Strong experience with lubricant materials, particularly oils and industrial fluids used in automotive applications
• Proven experience leading successful new product launches
• Strong understanding of innovation funnels and stage-gate product development processes
• Experience with product formulation, testing, qualification, validation, and manufacturing scale-up
• Strong supplier relationship management experience
• Experience maintaining ISO standards and managing product lifecycles
• Proven ability to translate market trends and customer needs into tangible product solutions
• Strong analytical, technical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead collaborative and accountable technical teams
• Ability to prioritize projects and respond quickly to changing market conditions
• Innovative, curious, flexible, and solutions-oriented mindset
• Strong commitment to safety
• Willingness to travel as required

Benefits

• Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance available
• Relocation assistance

Pay

$150,000-160,000 annually

Schedule

Full-time, onsite in Great Tampa, FL

What's in it for you

• Opportunity to lead the R&D function and directly influence product innovation and business growth
• Significant ownership over new product development, formulation, testing, and commercialization
• Opportunity to develop a differentiated portfolio of automotive aftermarket products
• High visibility and collaboration with Marketing, Business Unit leadership, suppliers, customers, and external technical partners
• Ability to shape R&D strategy and build a strong culture of innovation and accountability
• Exposure to emerging technologies, market trends, and new product opportunities
• Opportunity to make a direct impact on profitable growth through innovation and product development
• Leadership role with significant technical and strategic influence