Global Director Research Development Engineering

Location:

Clinton, TN (Onsite)
Travel:
Domestic and International Travel Required

Reports To:

Director, Business Development

Dura-Line, an Orbia business, is seeking an experienced Global Research & Development (R&D) Director to lead our global R&D organization and drive the next generation of materials, products, and technologies supporting critical infrastructure markets.

This role will provide technical and strategic leadership across product development, materials science, testing, qualification, commercialization, and innovation initiatives. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in polymers and plastics with strong leadership capabilities, business acumen, and a passion for developing high-performing teams.

Join Dura‑Line, an Orbia Connectivity Solutions business, where we create solutions that connect people and information across the globe. As a leading global manufacturer of conduit products and accessories, Dura‑Line creates the pathways that power connectivity across a wide range of markets worldwide. Quality, safety, and sustainability are at the core of everything we do, with environmentally responsible practices embedded throughout our manufacturing processes.

Be part of our shared mission with Orbia to Advance Life Around the World.

• Lead product, material, formulation, and technology development from concept through commercialization.
• Establish and execute the global R&D strategy aligned to business objectives and growth initiatives.
• Make final technical decisions related to materials, testing, product qualification, specifications, and launch readiness.
• Direct and develop a team of R&D professionals while building technical capability across the organization.
• Manage a global portfolio of innovation projects, balancing priorities, resources, risks, and budgets.
• Partner closely with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Procurement, Commercial, Product Management, and executive leadership.
• Drive product performance improvements, manufacturing scale-up, and process optimization initiatives.
• Collaborate with suppliers, testing laboratories, certification agencies, customers, and industry partners.
• Translate complex technical findings into actionable business recommendations and executive-level communications.
• Assess laboratory capabilities, technical resources, and innovation priorities to establish a roadmap for future growth.

During the first few months, this leader will:

• Build relationships with key stakeholders and assess team capabilities.
• Review the R&D project portfolio, laboratory operations, testing methods, and technical priorities.
• Evaluate critical risks, resource allocation, and development processes.
• Establish a strategic roadmap to strengthen innovation execution and business impact.

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Engineering, or related discipline.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in industrial R&D, polymers, materials engineering, product development, extrusion, or related technical leadership roles.
• Experience leading technical teams and developing organizational capability.
• Demonstrated success commercializing new products and technologies.
• Strong expertise in thermoplastics, polyethylene, extrusion, compounding, manufacturing processes, and materials performance.
• Experience utilizing testing methodologies, DOE, statistical analysis, and data-driven decision-making.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and communicate effectively with senior leadership.
• Experience supporting global operations…