AMBITION

R&D Manager, Contact Adhesive

Join the Gaco team, a trusted name in building envelope solutions with a heritage dating back to 1955. We're seeking an R&D Manager, Contact Adhesive who's ready to be part of a company committed to formulating everyday success for every customer through innovative, reliable products used to adhere, seal, and protect at every level of the building envelope.

About the Role / What You'll Accomplish:

• Strategic Product Development:
  Define and execute the R&D strategy for new generations of solvent-based rubber adhesives and primers, aligning with market needs, regulatory requirements (e.g., VOC, flammability), and business growth objectives.
• Team Leadership & Management:
  Lead, mentor, and manage a high-performing R&D team, fostering a culture of innovation, rigorous scientific methodology, and efficient project execution.
• Formulation & Process Expertise:
  Oversee the design, development, and scale-up of novel and existing formulations involving synthetic and/or natural rubbers (e.g., S , Neoprene), tackifiers, resins, and solvent systems.
• Product Maintenance & Optimization:
  Ensure the long-term quality, performance, and cost-effectiveness of established products through continuous improvement, raw material qualification, and troubleshooting manufacturing issues.
• Technical Compliance & Support:
  Act as the primary technical authority, ensuring all products meet industry standards, customer specifications, and relevant environmental and safety regulations. Provide high-level technical support to Sales, Marketing, and Operations.

What We're Looking For:

• Education:
  
  Master or PhD in Chemistry, Polymer chemistry or a related technical field.
• Experience:
  
  10+ years of progressive R&D experience in the adhesives, coatings, or specialty chemicals industry, with a mandatory focus on solvent-based, rubber-chemistry (e.g., polychloroprene, S , polyurethanes) formulations for the roofing industry. Understanding industry trends and regulations changes & prepare the product portfolio development in advance.
• Leadership:
  Proven experience in managing and developing a technical team and successfully leading complex, multi-functional R&D projects.
• Knowledge:
  Deep understanding of polymer chemistry, rheology, adhesion science, testing methodologies (e.g., peel strength, shear), and solvent regulations (e.g., EPA, regional VOC limits).

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary
• Retirement Savings:
  Choose from 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax savings
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Medical, Dental, Disability and Life Insurance
• Holistic Health & Well-being programs
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) & Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for health and dependent care
• Vision and other Voluntary benefits and discounts
• Paid time off & paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave (maternity & paternity)
• Educational Assistance Program

Amrize is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.