Senior R&D Manager

As the largest pureplay adhesives company in the world, H.B. Fuller’s (NYSE: FUL) innovative, functional coatings, adhesives and sealants enhance the quality, safety and performance of products people use every day. Founded in 1887, with 2025 revenue of $3.5 billion, our mission to Connect What Matters is brought to life by more than 7,100 global team members who collaborate with customers across more than 30 market segments in 150 countries to develop highly specified solutions that enable customers to bring world-changing innovations to their end markets.

About the role

The Senior R&D Manager II manages a team comprised of senior level professionals to achieve significant business impact. This role is a recognized expert internally and externally in an industry or technology. The Senior R&D Manager II manages and optimizes team performance by articulating overall strategy and translating it into tangible team goals and objectives. This person drives possibility thinking and measurable results.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop a team of senior professionals with an ability to manage above sphere of influence
• Optimize team peak performance through empowerment, coaching, and development
• Drive possibility thinking within and outside your team and organization
• Understand and communicate strategy effectively and translate it into actionable goals and objectives to drive impactful results
• Manage and prioritize multiple projects on tight timelines and stakeholder expectations for delivering the highest business impact
• Prudently and creatively manage resources without compromising quality and results
• Lead large global or cross-functional project teams, collaborating across discipline, function, and region
• Provide technical leadership on Global Collaboration Teams in support of R&D initiatives and working groups
• Work outside of own organization and with customers/OEMs to meet objectives
• Work in a safe and efficient manner
• Coordinate the activities of professional staff in an assigned work area and/or manage first-line supervisors

Key Competencies

• Management & Supervision: Manages activities of two or more disciplines or a department. Oversees experienced-level professionals and may be responsible for subordinate managers. Frequently advises team(s) on moderately complex matters.
• Knowledge & Application: Establishes operational objectives, policies, procedures, and work plans and delegates assignments to subordinates. Develops, modifies, and executes company policies that affect immediate operations and may also have company-wide effect.
• Complexity & Problem Solving: Works on issues where analysis of situations or data requires conceptual thinking and an in-depth knowledge of organizational objectives. Problems may often be poorly defined or lack strategic direction. Implements policies and selects methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Drives the strategy and success of larger projects which contribute to multiple areas of the organization.
• Discretion & Impact: Erroneous decisions will result in critical delay(s) in schedules and/or unit operations and may jeopardize overall business activities. Decisions directly impact short-term results of the team/program/group.
• Collaboration & Interaction: Interacts regularly with several functional areas, departments, and/or customers at all organizational levels. Requires the ability to persuade others in sensitive complex situations while preserving relationships. Applies knowledge to influence other stakeholders on desired departmental outcomes.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of related experience (B.S. + 10 years, M.S. + 8 years, PhD + 6 years)
• Expertise in polyurethane, epoxy, and acrylic structural adhesives are preferred
• Strong technical background and knowledge of research and development for industry
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment
• Track record of successful product development and innovation, from concept to commercialization
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to plan, execute, and monitor multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Knowledge of relevant regulations, standards, and intellectual property considerations in R&D activities
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment, with a strong sense of initiative and drive for results

Pay

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, and geographic location. The salary for this role is $136,000 - $179,000.

Benefits

• Competitive total rewards package including comprehensive benefits, incentive, and recognition programs
• Health and wellness benefits
• 401K contributions
• Paid time off and paid holidays

Eligibility may vary.