R&D Laboratory Manager

Skills: Ink formulation, Printing technology, Laboratory leadership, UV/EB and solvent-based technologies, Customer engagement

Join a leader in the Paint, Coating, and Adhesive Manufacturing industry dedicated to innovation in gravure ink and coatings solutions. In this pivotal R&D Laboratory Manager role, you will shape technical strategy and commercial success by translating complex customer requirements into best-in-class, scalable products. This opportunity blends direct customer impact, technical excellence, and the chance to guide skilled laboratory professionals, all within a collaborative and dynamic organization that values industry expertise and continuous improvement.

• Serve as the primary technical representative for customers, providing trusted advisory and escalation support.
• Drive product development, formulation, and optimization of gravure and flexographic ink systems across multiple technologies, including UV/EB, solvent, water-based, and digital.
• Lead, mentor, and oversee laboratory personnel executing customer trials and technical initiatives.
• Strategically support sales and business development by aligning technical solutions with customer needs and promoting product adoption.
• Manage laboratory-to-production scale-up and resolve complex formulation and manufacturing challenges collaboratively with Production and Operations teams.
• Establish and direct laboratory safety, documentation, and regulatory compliance programs, ensuring robust TDS, SDS, and records.
• Evaluate and qualify raw materials, fostering supplier relationships for performance, cost, and supply continuity.
• Champion continuous improvement focused on efficiency, cost optimization, and product and process reliability.
• Contribute to R&D strategy, technology road mapping, and competitive positioning based on technical market insights.

• Expertise formulating inks and topcoats using UV/EB, solvent, and water-based chemistries for decorative or functional applications.
• Comprehensive understanding of printing technologies, pigment, additive, and resin chemistries.
• Demonstrated success translating customer requirements into commercially viable solutions and leading customer trials.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills within customer and manufacturing environments.
• Proven leadership of technical teams in laboratory or R&D settings, with a track record of mentoring and development.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science/Engineering, or related laboratory science field.
• Ten (10) or more years of progressive experience in ink formulation, coatings, or related chemical manufacturing.

• Experience with digital printing and advanced ink technologies.
• Background in continuous improvement, cost reduction, or waste minimization initiatives.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance and documentation systems (TDS, SDS).
• Strong supplier relationship and raw material evaluation expertise.
• Exposure to long-term R&D strategy development, budgeting, and emerging technology analysis.