Strategic R&D Business Development Leader

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Be a part of our mission! As a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable, and efficient environments, it’s our responsibility to put the planet first. For us at Trane Technologies, sustainability is not just how we do business—it is our business. Do you dare to look at the world’s challenges and see impactful possibilities? Do you want to contribute to making a better future?

If the answer is yes, we invite you to consider joining us in boldly challenging what’s possible for a sustainable world.

Job Summary: Trane Technologies is seeking a Strategic R&D Business Development Leader to join our Advanced Concepts and Capabilities team. This pivotal position will drive visionary strategies and operational actions to build global research and business partnerships, secure external grant funding, and support Trane Technologies’ sustainability and advanced technology goals. This leader will be empowered to cultivate aligned research and development partnerships, accelerate commercialization, and enable our continued leadership in climate innovation.

• Benefits kick in on DAY ONE for you and your family, including health insurance and holistic wellness programs that include generous incentives – WE DARE TO CARE!
• Family building benefits include fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy assistance.
• 401K match up to 6%, plus an additional 2% core contribution = up to 8% company contribution.
• Paid time off, including in support of volunteer and parental leave needs.
• Educational and training opportunities through company programs along with tuition assistance and student debt support.
• Learn more about our benefits here!

From Monday to Thursday, work onsite with your colleagues. On Fridays, choose your work location, balancing what your work requires.

• Develop and execute strategies to establish and expand global research, academic, and executive-level business partnerships in advanced technologies aligned with company objectives.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with key universities, laboratories, industry partners, and thought leaders.
• Identify, pursue, and secure collaborative research and technology demonstration opportunities supporting sustainability and new product development targets.
• Lead efforts to secure external funding—including government grants, cooperative agreements, and sponsor ships—for collaborative R&D initiatives.
• Create and maintain governance structures, operational processes, and standard work leveraging best practices for partnership assessment, selection, implementation, alignment, and feedback.
• Manage, develop, and mentor a high-performing interdisciplinary team, fostering innovation and accountability.
• Define meaningful metrics, track progress against goals, and communicate results and program status to executive and business leadership.
• Collaborate with Trane Technologies’ Legal team to create, maintain, and negotiate Cooperation Agreements, Letters of Intent, Grant Agreements, IP protection, and NDAs.
• Represent Trane Technologies externally with professionalism and integrity to enhance company visibility and advocacy in the research community.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or related field; advanced degree strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in business development, research program management, or a related technical leadership role—preferably within HVAC, climate solutions, or advanced technology sectors.
• Proven track record securing external funding, including state and federal contracts and grants (e.g., DOE, DoD).
• Demonstrated success building and managing strategic partnerships with universities, national laboratories, start-ups, and industry leaders.
• Experience developing operational processes and best practices for partnerships and technology commercialization.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, including mentoring and talent development.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities with experience…