R&D Manager, Contact Adhesive

About the role

Strategic Product Development: Define and execute the R&D strategy for new generations of solvent-based rubber adhesives and primers, aligning with market needs, regulatory requirements (e.g., VOC, flammability), and business growth objectives.

Team Leadership & Management: Lead, mentor, and manage a high-performing R&D team, fostering a culture of innovation, rigorous scientific methodology, and efficient project execution.

Formulation & Process Expertise: Oversee the design, development, and scale-up of novel and existing formulations involving synthetic and/or natural rubbers (e.g., SBR, Neoprene), tackifiers, resins, and solvent systems.

Product Maintenance & Optimization: Ensure the long-term quality, performance, and cost-effectiveness of established products through continuous improvement, raw material qualification, and troubleshooting manufacturing issues.

Technical Compliance & Support: Act as the primary technical authority, ensuring all products meet industry standards, customer specifications, and relevant environmental and safety regulations. Provide high-level technical support to Sales, Marketing, and Operations.

Qualifications

• Education: Master or PhD in Chemistry, Polymer chemistry or a related technical field.
• Experience: 10+ years of progressive R&D experience in the adhesives, coatings, or specialty chemicals industry, with a mandatory focus on solvent-based, rubber-chemistry (e.g., polychloroprene, SBR, polyurethanes) formulations for the roofing industry.
• Understanding industry trends and regulations changes & prepare the product portfolio development in advance.
• Leadership: Proven experience in managing and developing a technical team and successfully leading complex, multi-functional R&D projects.
• Knowledge: Deep understanding of polymer chemistry, rheology, adhesion science, testing methodologies (e.g., peel strength, shear), and solvent regulations (e.g., EPA, regional VOC limits)

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Retirement Savings: Choose from 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax savings
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Medical, Dental, Disability and Life Insurance
• Holistic Health & Well-being programs
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) & Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for health and dependent care
• Vision and other Voluntary benefits and discounts
• Paid time off & paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave (maternity & paternity)
• Educational Assistance Program