R&D Manager

Help us shape the future through advanced materials for a more sustainable world.

We are Arkema, a global leader in specialty materials.

We are looking for an R&D Manager – Coatings, a strategic and hands-on leader passionate about innovation, product development, and customer-centric solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Mexico Coatings R&D and Technical Service organization, managing a team of approximately 8 R&D chemists, application engineers, and technicians.
• Drive the successful execution and commercialization of new products in close collaboration with commercial and marketing teams.
• Ensure on-time delivery of development projects, including ownership of project documentation, intellectual property filings, and technical publications.
• Define and track team and individual objectives, monitoring performance through relevant R&D metrics.
• Ensure safe laboratory operations and foster a strong culture of safety and compliance.
• Establish and expand synthesis capabilities in collaboration with global R&D leadership and support robust regional scale-up processes.
• Promote cross-functional and cross-regional collaboration to identify opportunities and accelerate project progress.
• Communicate project status, budget adherence, and key technical or market insights to senior management.

Portfolio & Innovation Leadership

• Oversee the regional portfolio of R&D programs in partnership with marketing and business stakeholders.
• Ensure efficient resource utilization and strong alignment with global Coating Resins innovation strategies.
• Develop and protect intellectual property through patents, confidentiality agreements, and joint development agreements.
• Propose and prioritize R&D initiatives to balance short- and long-term business impact.

Customer & Technical Service Leadership

• Partner with sales and marketing to define customer technical service strategies and account plans.
• Translate customer needs into differentiated product and business opportunities.
• Actively promote Arkema's R&D capabilities to current and prospective customers.
• Strengthen customer relationships at multiple organizational levels and support resolution of quality issues.

Requirements

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science/Polymer Science or Engineering, or BS/MS with equivalent experience.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in the chemical or polymers industry.
• At least 5 years of proven technical and people leadership with demonstrated commercial impact.
• Strong written and verbal communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated record of technical achievements, publications, and innovation.
• Background in polymer science, emulsion technology, coatings, or closely related applications.
• Formulation experience is a strong plus.

Join a global organization that offers international exposure, professional growth, and competitive benefits beyond statutory requirements.

What are you waiting for? Apply now and be part of Arkema's future.