ADHESIVES AND COATINGS - Head of Innovation for Infrastructure, Protection & Repair

Intermedia Group•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is with our client’s Adhesive Technologies business unit, where they empower their people to transform industries and provide customers with a competitive advantage through adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings. As the Head of Innovation for Infrastructure Protection & Repair (IPR), you will lead global product development teams across coatings, composite repair, adhesives, and protective technologies. You will be the driving force behind shaping the innovation strategy, building a strong technical culture, integrating teams, and enabling the next generation of market-shaping solutions.

Requirements

Master’s degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
10+ years industry experience in adhesives, coatings, sealants, composites, or protective coating technologies.
Strong product development or engineering experience within industrial applications.
Proven track record leading large technical teams (~15+; ideally 30+).
Experience leading organizational transformations or building new teams.
Strong people leadership: motivation, coaching, conflict management.
Strategic mindset with ability to connect innovation to business value.
Strong commercial orientation and customer understanding.
Excellent communication skills and ability to influence across organizations.
Collaborative mindset and ability to unify diverse teams.
Process-focused and data-driven.

Responsibilities

Lead and coach ~35 product development & technical experts across regions.
Lead the integration of technical teams into one unified IPR innovation organization.
Build a collaborative, high-trust culture across diverse backgrounds.
Drive the execution of IPR’s global innovation strategy.
Manage and prioritize the global product development and technology portfolio.
Lead key technology programs across coatings, composite repair, corrosion protection, and thermal/structural solutions.
Retain and develop talent during the integration phase.
Set and monitor KPIs and drive continuous improvement.
Build strong relationships with customers in core segments.
Support customer visits, technical decisions, and major opportunities.
Build partnerships with external suppliers, research institutions, and industry experts.
Ensure strong collaboration across regional technology and PD hubs.