R&D Manager (Nitrile Gloves)

About Our Client

Our client is an established company in the rubber industry. They are currently looking for highly capable individuals to grow them to further heights

Job Description

• Lead the establishment of the nitrile glove development team, recruiting top talent and fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
• Develop and execute the R&D strategy to drive product innovation, quality improvement, and cost optimization in the field of nitrile glove manufacturing.
• Drive the development of new nitrile glove materials, formulations, and technologies, from concept to commercialization, ensuring alignment with market needs and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality assurance, marketing, and sales to identify customer requirements, market trends, and opportunities for differentiation.
• Champion a culture of continuous learning and improvement, fostering the adoption of best practices, emerging technologies, and industry standards within the development team.
• Establish robust processes and protocols for experimental design, testing, and validation of nitrile glove prototypes, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility of results.
• Manage the budget, resources, and timelines for R&D projects, prioritizing initiatives and allocating resources effectively to meet business objectives.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with suppliers, research institutions, and industry stakeholders to leverage external expertise, resources, and capabilities.
• Lead intellectual property strategy for nitrile glove technology and innovations, including patent applications, freedom-to-operate analysis, and technology licensing agreements.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to team members, fostering their professional growth and development.

The Successful Applicant

• Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, polymer science, or a related field. Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in research and development, with a focus on glove manufacturing, polymer materials, or related industries.
• Proven track record of success in leading R&D teams and delivering innovative products to market, preferably in the nitrile glove industry.
• Deep understanding of polymer chemistry, material characterization techniques, and manufacturing processes relevant to glove production.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and allocate resources effectively.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and draw actionable insights.
• Demonstrated leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire cross-functional teams towards common goals.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and standards relevant to glove manufacturing, including FDA regulations, ASTM standards, and ISO certifications.
• Experience with intellectual property management, including patent strategy, patent drafting, and technology licensing agreements, is desirable.

What's on Offer

• Strong opportunities for growth
• Attractive remuneration packages