R&D Leader

JM Huber Corporation•Fairmount, GA

7d•$106,900 - $138,800•Onsite

About The Position

The R&D Leader will direct the research and development strategy for Huber Advanced Materials (HAM), driving innovative short to long term product development initiatives on a global scale. This role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including market directors, product management, and operations, to ensure that R&D efforts align with business objectives and respond effectively to market demands. Key responsibilities include leading a diverse team of researchers and scientists, managing project timelines, and ensuring adherence to industry regulations. The Leader will also identify emerging trends and technologies, develop a sustainable innovation strategy, and forge strategic partnerships with external research organizations and consultants. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership abilities, a thorough understanding of product development processes, and a proven track record of converting innovative ideas into successful market-ready products. This position oversees operations at our innovation center in the USA, promoting technical excellence while fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and scientific rigor among R&D teams. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in driving cultural change as the business evolves toward becoming a solution provider in both existing and emerging markets. Additionally, they will champion the Huber Vision and Principles, focusing on the development of professional and leadership competencies across all business unit employees. This role presents a unique opportunity to shape the future of our product offerings and significantly contribute to the growth of Huber Advanced Materials.

Requirements

Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline (e.g., Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science).
A minimum of 5+ years of experience in research and development.
Demonstrated success in launching new products or technologies on a global scale, showcasing a strong market impact.
Profound knowledge of innovation management principles and practices, software & best practices.
Skilled in project management methodologies and tools, with a track record of delivering projects on time and within budget.
Strong strategic thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities that drive decision-making and innovation.
Proven leadership and team management capabilities, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to influence and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities with ease.

Responsibilities

Assist in the formulation and execution of comprehensive innovation strategies that aligns with the company’s long-term objectives and market positioning.
Coach cross-functional teams to explore, evaluate, and capitalize on new business opportunities and technological advancements.
Assist in the establishment and maintenance of a systematic innovation process that fosters creativity and encourages robust exploration of new ideas.
Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, ensuring seamless transitions from ideation to commercialization.
Partner closely with marketing, sales, and manufacturing teams to ensure that product innovations meet customer needs and align with market trends.
Continuously monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to identify potential opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage.
Effectively manage budgets and provide recommendations for allocation of resources to meet project timelines and objectives, ensuring optimal use of organizational resources.
Oversee the conversion of research findings into practical applications, ensuring that innovative solutions translate into viable business opportunities.
Encourage a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the R&D department, encouraging team members to seek out new methods and approaches.
Promote an organizational culture that embraces risk-taking, experimentation, and continuous learning, empowering teams to push boundaries.
Mentor and develop high-potential talent within the organization, promoting an innovative mindset and skills at every level of the team.