Role Overview for VP, R&D, Materials Science with an Industrial Equipment OEM – Milwaukee, WI
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm, has been exclusively retained by a market-leading Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the industrial equipment sector to identify a visionary and transformative Vice President of Research & Development, Materials Science. This pivotal executive leadership role, based at their corporate headquarters in Milwaukee, WI, is a career-defining opportunity for a subject matter expert to shape the future of product innovation and performance through the strategic application of materials science.
The successful candidate will be the organization’s chief evangelist for material innovation, responsible for crafting and executing a long-term R&D strategy that directly aligns with the company’s ambitious growth objectives. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of world-class scientists, engineers, and technicians, fostering a culture of curiosity, rigorous scientific inquiry, and relentless innovation. This role is not merely about managing a department; it is about building a center of excellence that becomes a core competitive advantage for the entire enterprise.
As the VP of R&D, you will operate at the intersection of cutting-edge science, strategic business planning, and product development. You will be tasked with identifying, evaluating, and developing next-generation materials and processes that enhance product durability, improve performance, reduce manufacturing costs, and support sustainability initiatives. Your leadership will be critical in translating fundamental research into commercially viable solutions that keep our client at the forefront of the industry. You will collaborate extensively with executive leadership, product engineering, manufacturing operations, and global supply chain teams to ensure that the materials R&D pipeline is robust, relevant, and delivers tangible value to the business and its customers worldwide.
Key Responsibilities of VP, R&D, Materials Science with an Industrial Equipment OEM – Milwaukee, WI
Strategic Vision & Leadership
Develop, articulate, and implement a comprehensive, forward-looking materials science R&D strategy. Align technological roadmaps with corporate strategic goals, market trends, and customer needs to secure a long-term competitive edge.
Team Development & Mentorship
Lead, inspire, and manage a high-performing R&D organization. Attract, retain, and develop top-tier talent. Foster a dynamic and collaborative culture that encourages creativity, risk-taking, and continuous learning.
Innovation & Discovery Pipeline Management
Drive the entire innovation lifecycle, from ideation and fundamental research to proof-of-concept, pilot-scale testing, and full commercialization. Oversee a portfolio of projects focused on metals, alloys, composites, polymers, coatings, and other critical materials.
Technology Scouting & External Collaboration
Act as the primary sensor for emerging material technologies. Build and maintain a strong network with universities, national laboratories, startups, and industry consortiums to identify and leverage external innovation.
Cross-Functional Partnership
Serve as a key strategic partner to the Product Development, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams. Provide expert guidance on material selection, failure analysis, and process optimization to solve complex design and production challenges.
Intellectual Property Strategy
Direct the company’s intellectual property efforts in the materials domain. Champion the creation of a valuable patent portfolio and protect trade secrets to safeguard the company’s technological advancements.
Budgetary & Financial Oversight
Develop and manage the annual R&D budget, ensuring optimal allocation of capital and resources. Build compelling business cases for new technology investments and champion them at the executive level.
Technical Authority & Consultation
Serve as the ultimate subject matter expert on materials science within the company. Provide critical insights on material performance, characterization, and application. You will be at the forefront of applying breakthroughs in advanced materials to solve complex engineering challenges.
Operational Excellence & Safety
Ensure all laboratory and research activities adhere to the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. Implement best practices for experimental design, data analysis, and project management.
Requirements for the VP, R&D, Materials Science with an Industrial Equipment OEM – Milwaukee, WI
Educational Background
A Ph.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline is strongly preferred. A Master’s degree combined with an exceptional record of industrial R&D leadership and innovation will be considered.
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in an industrial R&D setting, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership capacity (Director, Senior Director, or VP level) managing technical teams and multi-million dollar budgets.
Industry Expertise
Demonstrable experience within a relevant heavy industry, such as industrial equipment, automotive, aerospace, or heavy manufacturing. Deep familiarity with the materials and processes used in demanding, high-wear applications is essential.
Technical Acumen
An extensive and proven track record of leading research that has resulted in the successful commercialization of new materials or processes. Expertise should span a range of material classes, including ferrous and non-ferrous alloys, advanced composites, engineering polymers, and functional coatings.
Strategic Mindset
The ability to think strategically and translate broad corporate goals into a tangible R&D execution plan. Experience with technology roadmapping and portfolio management is critical.
Business Acumen
Strong financial literacy and the ability to link R&D investments to business outcomes, such as revenue growth, cost savings, and market share gain.
Communication & Influence
Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to convey complex scientific concepts to a diverse range of stakeholders, from Ph.D. scientists to the Board of Directors, is paramount.
Innovation Record
A strong portfolio of patents, publications, and presentations at industry conferences is highly desirable and serves as evidence of a career dedicated to innovation.
Location
The candidate must be willing to be based in the greater Milwaukee, WI area. Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their leaders and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary, significant annual bonus potential, and a long-term incentive plan (e.g., stock options, RSUs) designed to reward strategic contributions and company success.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, along with wellness programs and robust health savings account (HSA) options.
Retirement Planning
A generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with a substantial company match and potential profit-sharing contributions.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, paid company holidays, and comprehensive parental leave programs.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package for qualified candidates and their families to ensure a smooth transition to the Milwaukee area.
Professional Growth
A strong commitment to continuous learning, with support for attending major industry conferences, executive education programs, and professional memberships.
Impactful Work Environment
The opportunity to work with a passionate, talented team in a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and making a tangible impact on the industry.
How to Apply
This is a confidential, retained search conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary R&D leader with a passion for materials science and a desire to drive innovation at a global industrial leader, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications. Interested candidates can learn more about our expertise in this sector by visiting JRG Partners’ Industrial & Manufacturing Practice. All inquiries and applications will be held in the strictest confidence. Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
