Head of Research And Development
2 days ago
Paris
We are working with a leading European polymer chemical manufacturer with global commercial reach and production sites across Europe, North America, and Asia. With €2 billion in annual revenue and a workforce of 1,200 employees, we specialize in high-performance polymers, specialty resins, and advanced material solutions serving industries including automotive, construction, packaging, electronics, coatings, adhesives, and industrial applications. Innovation is central to our growth strategy. We are entering a new strategic cycle focused on sustainable materials, bio-based polymers, circular economy solutions, and high-value specialty formulations. To support this transformation, we are seeking a Vice President R&D to lead our global research, development, and innovation organization. Position Summary The Vice President R&D will define and execute the company’s global innovation strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives, market needs, and long-term sustainability commitments. Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a member of the Executive Committee, the VP R&D will lead multi-site R&D teams, oversee product development and industrialization, manage the innovation portfolio, and drive technical excellence across polymer science, formulation, and process development. This role combines strategic leadership with strong technical depth in polymer chemistry and chemical manufacturing. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership • Define and implement a 5-year global R&D and innovation roadmap aligned with corporate growth objectives., • Identify new market opportunities in specialty polymers, advanced materials, and sustainable solutions., • Lead technology scouting, external partnerships, and open innovation initiatives., • Lead and develop a global R&D organization (~120–200 scientists, engineers, and technicians)., • Oversee research laboratories, pilot plants, and scale-up facilities., • Build high-performing teams and succession plans., • Oversee the full innovation lifecycle from concept to commercialization., • Ensure efficient scale-up from laboratory to industrial production., • Collaborate closely with Operations to improve process robustness and manufacturing performance., • Manage R&D budget and resource allocation., • Prioritize projects based on ROI, strategic fit, and market demand., • Strengthen the company’s patent portfolio and intellectual property strategy., • Partner with Sales & Marketing to align innovation with customer needs., • Support strategic customers with high-level technical engagement., • Present innovation strategy and performance to the Board and investors. Education • 15+ years in polymer or chemical manufacturing R&D., • Significant leadership experience (Director / Senior Director / VP level)., • Proven track record in scaling polymer products from lab to industrial production., • Experience managing multi-site or international R&D teams., • Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and industrial qualification processes., • Polymer synthesis and formulation (thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, or specialty resins)., • Process development and scale-up., • Product qualification and customer validation., • Strategic thinker with strong business acumen., • Ability to translate science into profitable growth., • Influential executive presence., • Data-driven decision maker., • Strong communication skills in complex international environments., • Executive Committee position with direct impact on corporate strategy., • Opportunity to shape the future of a €2B industrial group., • Leadership of a highly skilled global R&D organization., • Competitive executive compensation package (fixed + bonus + long-term incentives). All applications and inquiries will be handled with strict confidentiality.
damien N.Active 6 years ago