Position Title: Head of R&D

Location: Chicago

Salary: $140k + 20% Bonus

The Head of R&D is responsible for leading research and development efforts for metallic effect pigments, driving growth in existing and new markets. This role involves overseeing innovation, product development, team management, and business strategy, ensuring compliance with APQP methodology and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Strategy: Drive innovation, expand market presence, and manage R&D operations across multiple sites.

• Product & Process Development: Ensure new products meet quality, performance, cost, and manufacturability standards.

• Business & Innovation Strategy: Oversee new product launches, intellectual property management, and industry collaborations.

• Experimentation & Process Optimization: Design and scale up production processes to enhance efficiency and product quality.

• Collaboration & Networking: Work with Technical Marketing, Operations, and Quality Control, while building industry and academic partnerships.

• Regulatory & Compliance: Ensure safety, ISO compliance, and support QC, Six Sigma methodologies, and analytical testing.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Material Science, or Chemical Engineering.

• 5+ years of R&D/Technical Service experience, preferably in metallic pigments or specialty chemicals.

• Strong leadership, product innovation, and strategic planning abilities.

• Experience in physical vapor deposition, encapsulation, and coatings preferred.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, SAP, Salesforce, and statistical tools like Minitab.

• Willingness to travel up to 40%.

Click apply or speak to Mark Ainscough for the full details at mainscough@kensingtonadditive.com