Global Sr. R&D Manager, Specialty Additives

Ashland Inc.•Wilmington, DE

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Ashland has an exciting opportunity for a Global Sr. R&D Manager, Specialty Additives to join our Specialty Additives business at our Wilmington, DE location. This is a very visible, significant role within the Company and the R&D function. This position will report to the Sr. Global R&D Director, Specialty Additives. 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.

Requirements

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
Over 10 years of experience in technical roles within R&D and Technical Service, preferably in the Specialty Additives industry (e.g., Coatings, Adhesives).
Minimum 5 years of experience leading regional or global R&D teams.
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.
Proven ability to lead new product development using scientific methodologies and a strong grasp of structure–property relationships.
Track record on successfully launching impactful new products, ideally with coating additives.
Strong leadership skills with a results-driven mindset and a sense of urgency.
Excellent communication and project management skills.
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
25% travel both domestic and limited international

Nice To Haves

MSc is preferred

Responsibilities

Champion a culture of safety and compliance within the R&D laboratory and across all technical operations.
Lead the Wilmington-based global R&D team in developing new products and advancing platform innovations
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.
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.
Support key customer accounts with technical expertise and co-development initiatives.
Oversee talent management activities including recruitment, performance reviews, career development, and retention strategies.
Oversee lab operations, capital investments, and R&D budgets.
Actively contribute to the organizational goals by taking initiative, executing on goals and focusing on performance and safety
Improve the organization capacity and capabilities through building collaborative relationships, optimizing diverse talent and utilizing positive communications and influence with others