Located in White City, OR
Pay: Competitive comp & benefits!
Job Full Description
SUMMARY:
The Director of Research & Development leads the innovation strategy for our world-class manufacturing organization. The ideal candidate will lead and empower a high-performing team of chemists, and product development professionals, to develop and commercialize best-in-class products. This position requires a dynamic, results-driven leader who creates and fosters a unique and determined culture of research, innovation, and creativity. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role collaborates, develops strategy, and executes with all other corporate directors, ensuring that new technologies and products advance from concept to commercialization in alignment with company goals.
WHAT YOU GET TO DO!
Leadership & Strategy:
• Provide visionary leadership for the R&D group, creating a culture of results driven creativity, accountability, and technical excellence.
• Align R&D priorities with business objectives, customer needs, and market trends.
• Champion continuous improvement in innovation, quality, and process efficiency.
Team Development & Performance:
• Set ambitious goals with an emphasis on creation over competition.
• Build organizational capability through talent recruitment, coaching, succession planning, and professional development.
• Implement and lead a culture of cross-functional collaboration between R&D, Operations, Sales, Marketing, and Quality Control.
Innovation & Product Development:
• Oversee the development and optimization of advanced coatings and polymers, from concept through scale-up and commercialization.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, raw materials, and processes to maintain a competitive edge.
• Partnering with ESHA, ensure compliance with regulatory and environmental requirements.
Operational Excellence:
• Manage R&D budgets, resources, and project timelines to achieve strategic objectives.
• Establish metrics to measure innovation success, time-to-market, and portfolio value.
• Implement best practices in project management, safety, and laboratory operations.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING…
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience.
• Experience leading innovation or R&D teams preferred.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline; an MBA or advanced business education is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated success in leading technical teams, driving innovation pipelines, and translating business strategy into actionable R&D initiatives.
• Strong business acumen, organizational savvy, and ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and talent development skills.
• Strategic thinker with a bias for action and results.
• Inspirational/visionary leader who cultivates trust, engagement, and high performance.
• Passionate about building teams and shaping the next generation of technical leaders.
TO APPLY: For confidential consideration, please submit resume to karen.turner@expresspros.com
Bend, OR
3124
296 SW Columbia Street
Suite B
Bend, OR 97702
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