Director Research and Development

Sun Chemical Corporation • Cincinnati, OH

101d

About The Position

Sun Chemical is seeking a Director of Research & Development, Pigments and Additives to join our Cincinnati, Ohio R&D department. The Director leads the development of organic pigment technologies from concept to launch, managing a team of chemists and technicians. This role combines technical expertise in organic synthesis and physical chemistry with strong leadership and project management skills. Key responsibilities include ensuring team safety, prioritizing R&D initiatives to meet business goals, and collaborating with manufacturing and customers to resolve quality issues. The Director also drives innovation by identifying new opportunities and translating them into actionable project plans.

Requirements

• B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Masters or PHD in Chemistry strongly preferred, focus on Organic or Physical Chemistry would be ideal.
• 10+ years of experience in pigment or related chemical research.
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.
• Formal training in statistics and project management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical and business concepts to diverse audiences.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Strong analytical thinking, with a creative and innovative approach to problem-solving; proficiency in data analysis and statistical methods is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead research and development of organic pigments and additives, from concept through commercialization, aligning with global business strategies.
• Manage and develop technical staff through performance reviews, training, and resource planning to meet project and organizational goals.
• Prioritize R&D projects in coordination with the CTO, technology leaders, and business managers to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
• Foster a culture of creativity and innovation throughout the product development cycle.
• Ensure IP protection and freedom to operate for new technologies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with global customers to understand and address their long-term technical needs.
• Apply project management tools to ensure timely and successful product development, meeting key milestones and deliverables.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure new products and processes are safe to manufacture and use, incorporating best practices and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Merit increases
• Paid holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Short and long term disability benefits
• 401(k) with match
• Life insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees