Role Overview for VP, R&D, Advanced Polymers with a Chemical Company – Baton Rouge, LA
JRG Partners is proud to represent a premier, globally recognized chemical company in its search for a transformative Vice President of Research & Development, Advanced Polymers. Based in the strategic chemical industry hub of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, this executive leadership role is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of materials science and drive the next wave of commercial success for a market leader. Our client is a multi-billion dollar organization renowned for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. They have built a legacy on developing cutting-edge polymer solutions that serve a diverse range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, medical devices, and sustainable packaging.
As the VP of R&D, you will be the chief architect of the company’s innovation engine for the Advanced Polymers division. Reporting directly to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), you will hold ultimate responsibility for the strategic direction, operational execution, and inspirational leadership of a high-performing team of over 100 scientists, engineers, and technicians. This is not merely a management position; it is a role for a visionary leader who can translate complex scientific concepts into tangible, market-leading products that solve real-world problems. You will be tasked with fostering a dynamic culture of curiosity, collaboration, and relentless innovation, ensuring the R&D pipeline is robust, aligned with corporate strategy, and poised to deliver significant long-term growth. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s competitive advantage, intellectual property portfolio, and profitability. You will be the senior technical voice in the room, guiding investment decisions, forging strategic partnerships, and championing the technological advancements that will define the industry for years to come. This role requires a unique blend of deep scientific expertise, exceptional business acumen, and a proven ability to lead and inspire a world-class technical organization.
Key Responsibilities of VP, R&D, Advanced Polymers with a Chemical Company – Baton Rouge, LA
Strategic Vision & R&D Leadership
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, forward-looking R&D strategy for the Advanced Polymers business unit. This includes creating a multi-year technology roadmap that aligns with overarching business objectives, market trends, and customer needs. You will champion a portfolio management approach, balancing short-term product enhancements with long-term, breakthrough innovation projects. You will also be responsible for managing a significant multi-million dollar R&D budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources to maximize return on investment and strategic impact.
Innovation and New Product Development
Oversee the entire new product development lifecycle, from ideation and fundamental research to scale-up, and successful commercialization. Implement and refine a disciplined stage-gate process to drive projects forward efficiently, manage risk, and ensure market readiness. Cultivate an environment that encourages creative problem-solving and the exploration of novel technologies, materials, and processes. Your goal will be to consistently deliver a pipeline of innovative, high-margin products that solidify the company’s position as a market leader.
Team Leadership, Mentorship & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and empower a large, multidisciplinary team of Ph.D. scientists, chemical engineers, material scientists, and laboratory technicians. Foster a culture of scientific excellence, accountability, safety, and continuous learning. Attract, retain, and develop top-tier technical talent. Establish clear performance objectives, provide regular feedback, and create career development pathways to ensure the long-term growth and vitality of the R&D organization.
Technical Authority & Market Intelligence
Serve as the company’s foremost technical expert in advanced polymers. Maintain a deep understanding of structure-property relationships, polymerization techniques, polymer processing, and application development. Stay at the forefront of the latest advancements in polymer science, competitive technologies, and emerging market trends by building a strong external network with academia, research institutions, and industry consortia. Translate this knowledge into strategic insights and actionable R&D initiatives.
Intellectual Property (IP) Management
Direct the company’s IP strategy for the Advanced Polymers division. Work closely with legal counsel to build and maintain a robust patent portfolio that protects key innovations and provides a sustainable competitive advantage. Champion a culture where IP creation is valued and systematically pursued.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Management
Forge strong, collaborative relationships with leaders in Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain. Ensure seamless communication and alignment between R&D and other functions to facilitate successful product launches and achieve business targets. Effectively communicate complex technical concepts and the value proposition of R&D initiatives to a wide range of stakeholders, including the executive leadership team, the Board of Directors, key customers, and investors.
Safety, Quality & Regulatory Compliance
Uphold the highest standards of laboratory safety and environmental stewardship. Ensure all R&D activities and new products comply with relevant local, national, and international regulations (e.g., REACH, FDA). Embed a ‘safety-first’ and ‘quality-by-design’ mindset throughout the entire R&D organization.
Requirements for the VP, R&D, Advanced Polymers with a Chemical Company – Baton Rouge, LA
Educational Background
A Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline is required. An MBA or advanced business training is a significant plus.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in industrial R&D within the chemical, plastics, or advanced materials sector. This must include at least 7 years in a senior R&D leadership capacity (e.g., Director, Senior Director, or VP) with a proven track record of managing large, multidisciplinary teams and significant budgets.
Technical Expertise
Demonstrated, deep subject matter expertise in the field of advanced polymers. This includes a strong theoretical and practical understanding of polymer chemistry, polymer physics, and material characterization. Experience with a variety of polymer systems, such as engineering thermoplastics, elastomers, composites, thermosets, or specialty polymers, is essential.
Commercialization Success
A proven and verifiable track record of leading the development and successful commercialization of multiple new products or technologies. Must be able to provide specific examples of products that have generated significant revenue and market share under your leadership.
Strategic & Business Acumen
The ability to think strategically, connect technological possibilities with market opportunities, and make sound business decisions. Strong financial literacy with experience in R&D budget management, ROI analysis, and portfolio optimization is critical.
Leadership & Communication Skills
Exceptional leadership qualities with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a high-caliber technical team. Must possess outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus across all levels of the organization and with external partners.
Intellectual Property Acumen
Solid experience in managing intellectual property, including patent filing, portfolio strategy, and competitive analysis.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a comprehensive and highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain the very best talent in the industry. This includes:
- Highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
- Lucrative annual executive bonus plan based on company and individual performance.
- Significant long-term incentive plan (e.g., stock options, restricted stock units) that aligns your success with the company’s growth.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage for you and your family.
- A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
- A comprehensive executive relocation package to assist with your move to the vibrant Baton Rouge area.
- Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
- Support for continuous learning, including funding for professional memberships, executive education, and attendance at key industry conferences.
- Access to company-sponsored wellness programs and resources.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary R&D leader with a passion for innovation in advanced materials and a track record of transformative success, we encourage you to apply for this exceptional opportunity. This role offers the chance to make a lasting impact on a global industry leader and drive the development of technologies that will shape the future.
To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and leadership accomplishments. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. For more information or to explore other opportunities within our specialty sectors, please visit the JRG Partners’ Chemicals & Materials practice area. We look forward to connecting with you and discussing how your expertise can align with this pivotal role.
