Innovation Manager of Adhesives & Chemistry - MADE

New Balance•Lawrence, MA

15h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Chemical Engineering Manager – MADE Innovation leads the strategy, people, and processes that govern how soles are attached to uppers (bonding) across our U.S. and U.K. based MADE manufacturing network. In this role, you will guide a team, shape long term bonding capabilities, and partner across the organization to drive innovation and operational excellence. You will oversee a team of engineers and technicians responsible for routine product testing and process audits, ensuring adherence to bonding specifications and driving continuous improvement in manufacturing bonding methods. You will also lead cross functional initiatives with Manufacturing and external partners to develop new materials, adhesives, and processes — and ensure smooth commercialization from pilot through full scale production. In addition, you will collaborate closely with Innovation teams (Advanced Capabilities, Leather Science, and Data Science) to uncover insights into bonding systems and develop solutions to historical process challenges. As the Chemical Engineering Manager, you will set direction, coach talent, and build the systems that allow the bonding function to scale with speed, rigor, and creativity. You will operate with a startup mentality — emphasizing rapid initiation, fast prototyping, and iterative testing.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related engineering discipline; Master’s degree strongly preferred.
8+ years of experience in manufacturing, product development, adhesives, or footwear/consumer product industries, with a proven track record of delivering technical solutions in complex production environments.
Demonstrated leadership experience managing engineers or technical teams, including coaching, performance management, and capability building.
Deep technical understanding of footwear bonding systems, adhesives, material interactions, and process validation, with hands on experience interpreting test data and driving root cause analysis.
Proven success leading engineering projects from concept through commercialization, including cross functional coordination and vendor engagement.
Strong data driven decision making skills, including the ability to interpret complex test data, apply statistical reasoning, and translate insights into actionable engineering direction; proficiency with tools such as Minitab.
Experience with Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other structured continuous improvement methodologies; certification is a plus.
Ability to set technical direction, prioritize complex workstreams, and operate independently in a fast paced, innovation driven environment.

Nice To Haves

Advanced coursework or research in polymers, adhesives, or material interfaces is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead strategic partnerships with industrial vendors to develop and validate next generation sole to upper bonding methods.
Manage and develop a team of engineers and technicians responsible for bonding performance testing and process audits across the MADE network.
Own bonding specifications, standards, and methods for all domestic models, ensuring consistency and scalability.
Oversee testing and analysis of new materials and bonding systems, generating insights that inform long term bonding strategy.
Direct the development, validation, and commercialization of new materials, adhesives, equipment, and bonding processes from pilot through full scale production.
Serve as the organization’s bonding SME, providing technical leadership and cross functional guidance on adhesives, best practices, and process adherence.
Collaborate with Innovation teams (Advanced Capabilities, Leather Science, Data Science) to uncover insights and solve historical bonding challenges.