Job Description

Position Overview:

The R&D Product Development Manager will lead formulation development and technical projects within the inks and coatings division. This role requires close collaboration with sales, manufacturing, procurement, and marketing to drive innovation, optimize product portfolios, and deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions aligned with business goals.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Technical Knowledge Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or closely related discipline
• 3-5 years of direct formulation experience in solvent-based and/or water-based inks, coatings, or related chemical industries.
• Strong understanding of color science, including the demonstrated ability to accurately distinguish and match colors for precise formulation and quality control.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conceptualize, formulate, and introduce innovative products based on input from sales, management, customers, and market insights.
• Evaluate and source new, innovative, and cost-effective raw materials.
• Lead meetings with sales, management, and technical staff to set clear project goals, timelines, and expectations.
• Conduct evaluations, reformulations, and optimizations of existing products to enhance performance, cost efficiency, or regulatory compliance.
• Assign, supervise, and validate project work, document results in detailed technical reports.
• Accurately document formulations, processing instructions, and QC specifications in company systems.
• Provide comprehensive technical support to customers and sales teams, addressing formulation and application issues.
• Write, review, and update testing protocols, calibration methods, and internal quality control procedures.
• Collaborate closely with production teams on scaling-up new products, troubleshooting, process modifications, and continuous improvements.
• Oversee calibration and maintenance of lab equipment, ensuring accurate record-keeping.
• Maintain adequate inventory of lab supplies, managing procurement as necessary.
• Engage regularly with vendors to stay updated on current products, emerging technologies, and identify areas of potential collaboration or need.
• Supervise, mentor, train, and evaluate laboratory staff, maintaining comprehensive training records and documentation.
• Sign off on all relevant documents after thorough review and understanding.

Preferred Skills and Strengths:

• Demonstrated leadership capabilities through patience, understanding, and clear communication.
• Exceptional organizational skills in maintaining project documentation, records, and laboratory environment.
• Ability to multitask effectively within a dynamic and collaborative team environment.
• Proven commitment to laboratory safety, cleanliness, and organization.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance in chemical manufacturing.
• Experience working collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Manufacturing, and Marketing.
• Proficiency with laboratory and data management software.
• Prior experience mentoring or supervising technical teams.

Work Environment:

• Primarily laboratory and office environment; occasional travel to customer sites or other company locations may be required.

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