Role Overview for Director of R&D with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Baton Rouge, LA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a leading, forward-thinking specialty chemicals manufacturer in their search for a visionary Director of Research & Development. Based in the strategic chemical industry hub of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, our client is renowned for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and delivering high-performance solutions to a diverse global market. This is not merely a leadership position; it is a pivotal role at the heart of the company’s growth engine, offering the opportunity to shape the future of chemical technology and drive significant commercial success. The successful candidate will be a key member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Technology Officer, and will be entrusted with guiding the entire R&D lifecycle, from conceptualization to commercialization.
As the Director of R&D, you will be the primary architect of the company’s innovation strategy. You will lead a talented, multidisciplinary team of scientists, chemists, and engineers, fostering a culture of creativity, scientific rigor, and relentless curiosity. Your mission will be to build and manage a robust pipeline of new products and technologies that address unmet customer needs and create a distinct competitive advantage. You will be responsible for translating market trends and scientific discoveries into tangible, profitable products that align with the company’s long-term business objectives. This role demands a unique blend of deep technical expertise, strategic vision, inspirational leadership, and strong business acumen. If you are a transformative leader passionate about leveraging science to solve real-world problems, this is an unparalleled opportunity to make a lasting impact on a dynamic and growing organization.
Key Responsibilities of Director of R&D with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Baton Rouge, LA
The Director of R&D will have a broad range of responsibilities, encompassing strategic planning, team leadership, project execution, and cross-functional collaboration. Your core duties will include:
Strategic Leadership & Innovation Pipeline Management
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive R&D strategy that aligns with corporate goals. Proactively identify and evaluate new market opportunities, emerging technologies, and disruptive trends to build and maintain a robust, multi-generational product pipeline. Champion a culture of innovation and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
New Product Development & Commercialization
Oversee the entire new product development (NPD) process, from initial ideation and feasibility analysis through formulation, laboratory testing, pilot plant scale-up, and successful commercial launch. Implement and refine stage-gate processes to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Team Leadership, Mentorship & Development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of R&D professionals. Set clear goals, provide regular feedback, and foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment. Be responsible for talent management, including recruitment, performance reviews, succession planning, and creating professional development pathways for team members.
Intellectual Property (IP) Management
Direct the company’s intellectual property strategy to protect innovations and create a sustainable competitive advantage. Work closely with legal counsel to identify patentable inventions, oversee the patent application process, and manage the existing IP portfolio, including trade secrets and trademarks.
Budgetary & Financial Oversight
Develop and manage the annual R&D budget, ensuring the optimal allocation of financial and human resources to high-priority projects. Track project spending, conduct financial analysis, and present compelling business cases for R&D investments, demonstrating clear ROI to the executive team.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as the key technical liaison between R&D and other critical departments, including Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Regulatory Affairs. Foster strong working relationships to ensure seamless product transitions from the lab to the market and to provide high-level technical support for key customers.
Technology Scouting & External Partnerships
Actively monitor the external technology landscape, including academic research, startup innovations, and competitor activities. Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with universities, research institutions, and external collaborators to accelerate innovation and access new capabilities.
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 industry regulations (e.g., EPA, OSHA, REACH) and quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001).
Requirements for the Director of R&D with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Baton Rouge, LA
We are seeking a seasoned and accomplished leader with a proven track record of success in the specialty chemicals industry. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Education
A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline is strongly preferred. A Master’s degree will be considered for candidates with extensive and highly relevant industrial experience.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in an industrial R&D setting within the specialty chemicals sector. This must include at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity, with direct responsibility for managing teams, projects, and budgets.
Proven Track Record
Demonstrated success in leading the development and commercialization of multiple profitable products. Experience managing a complex portfolio of R&D projects from concept to launch is essential.
Technical Expertise
Deep knowledge of chemical formulation, synthesis, polymerization, and material characterization techniques. Hands-on experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable: adhesives, sealants, coatings, polymers, surfactants, elastomers, or related specialty chemical fields.
Leadership & Management Skills
Exceptional leadership qualities with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a technical team. A strategic thinker who can translate business goals into actionable R&D plans. Strong project management skills and familiarity with methodologies like stage-gate are crucial.
Business Acumen
A solid understanding of market dynamics, financial principles, and the business impact of R&D. The ability to effectively communicate the value proposition of new technologies to a non-technical audience.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills. The ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders, external partners, and customers at all levels.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation Package
A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and participation in the company’s long-term incentive plan (LTIP).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
A full suite of benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents. Life insurance, short-term, and long-term disability coverage are also provided.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) retirement plan featuring a generous company match to help you build your financial future.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and paid company holidays.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to facilitate a smooth transition to the Baton Rouge area.
Professional Development
A strong commitment to your career growth with support for attending industry conferences, pursuing advanced training, and maintaining memberships in professional organizations like the American Chemical Society.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive recruitment partner for this confidential search. We invite all qualified and interested candidates to take the next step in their careers. If you are a visionary R&D leader with a passion for driving innovation in the specialty chemicals industry, we strongly encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a detailed cover letter outlining your relevant experience, leadership philosophy, and specific achievements in new product commercialization. Your application will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.
For more information on our deep expertise in recruiting top-tier talent for the chemical industry, please visit the JRG Partners’ Chemicals & Materials practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing this role with you in more detail.
