R&D Manager

Dubois Chemicals•Sharonville, OH

About The Position

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they are doing! We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Leadership & Innovation Execute the R&D and Applications strategy aligned with corporate vision and the strategic technology roadmap. Lead multi-year product and technology pipelines, ensuring a balance of incremental improvement and breakthrough innovation. Serve on the LOOP team Research & Development Management Oversee the full lifecycle of product development—from concept and feasibility to scale-up, commercialization, and post-launch optimization. Ensure all R&D activities meet quality, safety, regulatory, and industry standards. Implement strong project management, documentation, and stage-gate processes. Drive continuous improvement in laboratory capabilities, testing methodologies, and technology platforms. Applications & Technical Service Leadership Lead Applications and Technical Service teams in delivering customer-centered support, product adoption, troubleshooting, and performance optimization. Strengthen relationships with strategic customers by providing technical expertise. Translate customer requirements into product specifications and development opportunities. Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner closely with Portfolio to align prioritized projects with clear deliverables. Support commercial teams by providing technical training, product performance data, and differentiation insights. Collaborate with Procurement and Operations regarding raw materials, formulations, and manufacturability. People Leadership Foster a culture of innovation, safety, accountability, and scientific excellence. Guide and assist in succession planning and capability growth within the department. Guide and assist in shaping career advancement programs on the non-managerial track. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s (or higher) degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field. 5+ years of experience in chemicals R&D. Proven track record of successful product development and commercialization. Knowledge of regulatory requirements. Exceptional leadership, organization, and communication skills. Domestic and International Travel up to 10% #INDCORP DuBois provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, service in the military, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and/or local law and/or regulation. Values and Culture Working at DuBois is dynamic, flexible and fun. Our customer centric focus gives you the opportunity to leverage your creative and innovative talents to help deliver specialty chemical solutions safely while protecting the environment. DuBois values: Honest and Ethical Behavior Collaborative Communication Safety at Work and Home Environmental Stewardship Perks and Benefits You will enjoy building your career with DuBois. DuBois offers the stability and comprehensive benefits of a larger organization with the feel of a smaller, more personable company. The diversity of our roles, customers served and large number of manufacturing, distribution and technical centers provide many routes for your career advancement. If you value learning, improving processes and want to make an immediate impact, DuBois is where you want to be. DuBois excellent benefit package includes health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, 401k with company match, paid holidays, vacation time and income protection plans.

Requirements

Bachelor’s (or higher) degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
5+ years of experience in chemicals R&D.
Proven track record of successful product development and commercialization.
Knowledge of regulatory requirements.
Exceptional leadership, organization, and communication skills.
Domestic and International Travel up to 10%

Responsibilities

Execute the R&D and Applications strategy aligned with corporate vision and the strategic technology roadmap.
Lead multi-year product and technology pipelines, ensuring a balance of incremental improvement and breakthrough innovation.
Serve on the LOOP team
Oversee the full lifecycle of product development—from concept and feasibility to scale-up, commercialization, and post-launch optimization.
Ensure all R&D activities meet quality, safety, regulatory, and industry standards.
Implement strong project management, documentation, and stage-gate processes.
Drive continuous improvement in laboratory capabilities, testing methodologies, and technology platforms.
Lead Applications and Technical Service teams in delivering customer-centered support, product adoption, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
Strengthen relationships with strategic customers by providing technical expertise.
Translate customer requirements into product specifications and development opportunities.
Partner closely with Portfolio to align prioritized projects with clear deliverables.
Support commercial teams by providing technical training, product performance data, and differentiation insights.
Collaborate with Procurement and Operations regarding raw materials, formulations, and manufacturability.
Foster a culture of innovation, safety, accountability, and scientific excellence.
Guide and assist in succession planning and capability growth within the department.
Guide and assist in shaping career advancement programs on the non-managerial track.