Head of Non-Basic Research & Development

RHI Magnesita • West Manchester Township, PA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

RHI Magnesita is seeking a strategic and innovative leader to serve as our Head of Non-Basic R&D for North America. In this role, you will lead the research, development, and innovation strategy for our portfolio of non-basic refractory products, helping drive growth, operational excellence, and customer success across the region. As a key member of the North American R&D leadership team, you will oversee a talented team of Research Engineers and a Materials Scientist while partnering closely with Operations, Manufacturing Excellence, Supply Chain, Sales, Technical Marketing, Product Management, and Global R&D teams. You will play a critical role in shaping technology roadmaps, advancing product development initiatives, and leading technology transfer and manufacturing network optimization programs across multiple sites. This is an exciting opportunity for a leader who is passionate about innovation, advanced materials, and building high-performing technical teams in a global manufacturing environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline required.
• 10+ years of experience within refractory products, advanced ceramics, industrial materials, or a related manufacturing industry.
• 2-3 years of leadership experience managing technical professionals and R&D teams.
• Demonstrated success leading product development, technology management, and innovation initiatives from concept through commercialization.
• Strong technical understanding of refractory materials, raw materials, processing technologies, and material characterization methods.
• Experience managing complex project portfolios and prioritizing competing business and technical objectives.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders, lead cross-functional initiatives, and build effective partnerships across multiple functions and geographies.
• Strong analytical, project management, problem-solving, communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience collaborating with global teams and leading complex technical programs.
• Ability to travel as needed to manufacturing sites, customer locations, and R&D centers.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of intellectual property management and patent development is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the North American Non-Basic R&D organization, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.
• Drive the development and execution of R&D strategies, product roadmaps, and innovation initiatives aligned with regional and global business objectives.
• Serve as a gatekeeper within the project approval process, ensuring R&D investments are strategically aligned and deliver measurable business value.
• Guide new product development, process improvement, and technology advancement efforts for the Non-Basic product portfolio.
• Lead technology transfer initiatives across manufacturing sites to support network optimization, operational efficiency, and business continuity.
• Partner with Operations, Manufacturing Excellence, Supply Chain, and Plant Leadership teams to support capacity expansion, dual-source strategies, risk mitigation, and cost competitiveness initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to standardize technologies, implement best practices, and leverage shared capabilities across the North American manufacturing network.
• Monitor project performance, including timelines, quality metrics, costs, and overall business impact.
• Collaborate with global stakeholders to accelerate innovation, commercialize new technologies, and support customers with advanced materials solutions.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Comprehensive Benefits Package – Including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability coverage.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – With company matching to help you plan for your future.
• Paid Time Off
• Training & Development – Access to learning resources and career development programs.
• Inclusive Work Environment – A culture that values diversity, safety, and collaboration.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager