Global, Sr. R&D Manager, Specialty Additives

Description

The Global Sr. R&D Manager, Specialty Additives will lead the Specialty Additives global R&D team and North America Technical Service team at the Wilmington site. This role will be driving innovation through new product development and platform advancement. This role is pivotal in aligning technical strategy with business goals, collaborating across functions to accelerate innovation, and supporting commercial success in North America and globally.

• Support key customer accounts with technical expertise and co-development initiatives.
• Actively contribute to the organizational goals by taking initiative, executing on goals and focusing on performance and safety
• Champion a culture of safety and compliance within the R&D laboratory and across all technical operations.
• Improve the organization capacity and capabilities through building collaborative relationships, optimizing diverse talent and utilizing positive communications and influence with others
• Partner with Product Management, Global Strategic Marketing, and Regional Marketing to ensure successful product development and commercialization.
• Direct the NA Technical Service team to support and grow the NA business, including both commercial products and New Product Introductions
• Work closely with the NA General Manager, Marketing, and Sales teams to drive technical support strategies and regional innovation through the Regional Stage Gate process.
• Provide the team the daily guidance on project management and technical directions
• Collaborate with Applied Science, Measurement Science, Process Technology, and Regulatory teams to execute projects through the Global Stage Gate process.
• Oversee lab operations, capital investments, and R&D budgets.
• Lead the Wilmington-based global R&D team in developing new products and advancing platform innovations
• Oversee talent management activities including recruitment, performance reviews, career development, and retention strategies.

Requirements

• Over 10 years of experience in technical roles within R&D and Technical Service, preferably in the Specialty Additives industry (e.g., Coatings, Adhesives).
• Deep technical expertise in coating formulation and application, especially in water-borne architectural and industrial coatings, ideally with strong knowledge of rheology modifiers, surfactants, dispersants, and other coating additives.
• Minimum 5 years of experience leading regional or global R&D teams.
• MSc is preferred
• Proven ability to lead new product development using scientific methodologies and a strong grasp of structure–property relationships.
• Strong leadership skills with a results-driven mindset and a sense of urgency.
• Demonstrated responsible and ethical behavior at all times
• The ability to help the company drive greater value through understanding the business, making complex decisions and creating the new and different
• Excellent communication and project management skills.
• PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field OR a bachelor's degree will be accepted along with 15 years of specialty chemicals experience
• Track record on successfully launching impactful new products, ideally with coating additives.

Benefits

Ashland has a history of attracting the best people and keeping them. The reasons are simple: industry competitive salary and benefits, pay-for-performance incentive plans and a diverse work environment where employees feel challenged and valued. People come to Ashland and stay. As a growing Fortune 500 specialty chemicals company, we offer opportunities for development and advancement throughout our global organization. Our values define who we are and what we care about as a company. If you are looking for a relationship with a company instead of simply a job, this may be a great fit.

• 25% travel both domestic and limited international

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance