Role Overview for VP, R&D, Advanced Materials with a Chemicals Company – Baton Rouge, LA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a globally recognized leader in the chemical industry to recruit a visionary and strategic Vice President of Research & Development, Advanced Materials. Based in their state-of-the-art facility in Baton Rouge, LA, this executive leadership role is critical to shaping the future of the company’s product portfolio and maintaining its competitive edge in the global market.
The successful candidate will be a transformative leader, responsible for steering the entire R&D lifecycle, from conceptualization and fundamental research to product development and commercialization. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of world-class scientists, engineers, and technicians, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
This position is not merely about managing a department; it is about setting the technological vision for the entire advanced materials division. You will be instrumental in identifying emerging market trends, disruptive technologies, and unmet customer needs, translating these insights into a robust and profitable innovation pipeline.
Your leadership will directly influence the company’s long-term strategic direction, profitability, and sustainability. We are seeking an individual with a profound understanding of materials science, a proven track record of commercializing new technologies, and the executive presence to champion R&D initiatives at the highest levels of the organization. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact within a dynamic, growth-oriented company that values scientific discovery and technological advancement.
Key Responsibilities of VP, R&D, Advanced Materials with a Chemicals Company – Baton Rouge, LA
The Vice President of R&D will have a broad range of responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, operational management, and team development. Success in this role requires a blend of deep technical expertise, strong business acumen, and inspirational leadership.
Strategic Vision & Leadership
Develop and execute a comprehensive R&D strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business objectives. Define the long-term technology roadmap for the advanced materials portfolio, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of innovative products. Champion a culture of scientific inquiry, continuous improvement, and calculated risk-taking across the R&D organization.
Innovation Pipeline Management
Oversee the entire R&D portfolio, from early-stage exploratory research to late-stage product development and launch. Implement robust stage-gate processes to manage projects, allocate resources effectively, and ensure timely delivery of milestones. Prioritize projects based on market potential, technical feasibility, and strategic fit.
Team Development & Mentorship
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of scientists, chemists, and engineers. Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that attracts, retains, and develops top-tier talent. Set clear performance expectations, provide regular feedback, and support the professional growth of all team members.
Intellectual Property Management
Direct the company’s intellectual property strategy for the advanced materials division. Work closely with legal counsel to identify patentable inventions, file applications, and manage the existing patent portfolio to create a powerful competitive barrier.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, collaborating closely with Manufacturing, Sales, Marketing, and Business Development to ensure seamless product commercialization. Provide technical expertise and support to other departments, acting as the primary voice for technology and innovation within the company.
Budget & Resource Allocation
Develop and manage the annual R&D budget, ensuring optimal allocation of financial and human resources to high-priority projects. Justify investments in new technologies, equipment, and talent to the executive board, demonstrating clear ROI.
Technology Scouting & External Partnerships
Stay abreast of the latest advancements in chemistry and materials science. Identify and evaluate external technologies, potential acquisitions, and strategic partnerships with universities, research institutions, and startups to accelerate innovation and access new capabilities.
Safety, Quality & Compliance
Uphold the highest standards of laboratory safety, ensuring all R&D activities comply with internal policies and external regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA). Implement and maintain rigorous quality control standards throughout the development process.
Requirements for the VP, R&D, Advanced Materials with a Chemicals Company – Baton Rouge, LA
We are seeking a seasoned R&D leader with a distinguished career in the chemical or advanced materials industry. The ideal candidate will possess a unique combination of advanced technical knowledge, proven leadership skills, and strategic business insight.
Required Qualifications:
Education
A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a closely related field is required.
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in industrial research and development, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership role (Director, Sr. Director, or VP level) managing large, multidisciplinary R&D teams.
Industry Expertise
Deep domain expertise in specialty chemicals, polymers, composites, adhesives, coatings, or related advanced materials. Must have a proven track record of successfully leading multiple product development projects from concept to commercialization.
Leadership Skills
Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and develop high-caliber scientific and technical teams. Experience in managing managers and setting the strategic direction for a significant R&D function.
Business Acumen
Strong understanding of financial principles, market analysis, and business case development. Experience managing multi-million dollar budgets and aligning R&D initiatives with corporate financial goals.
Communication
Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences, including the executive team, customers, and investors.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with open innovation models and managing external research collaborations.
- A strong portfolio of patents and publications in relevant fields.
- Experience in a global organization, managing teams or projects across different regions.
- Familiarity with modern data science and computational modeling techniques as applied to materials discovery and development.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package to attract and retain the very best talent. They believe in investing in their employees’ well-being, professional development, and financial future.
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual bonus potential and a long-term incentive plan (e.g., stock options, performance shares) designed to reward strategic contributions and company success.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
A robust benefits package including premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your eligible dependents. The plan also includes wellness programs, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and generous life and disability insurance.
Retirement Savings
A best-in-class 401(k) plan with a substantial company match to help you build a secure financial future for retirement.
Generous Paid Time Off
A competitive paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation days, sick leave, and numerous paid company holidays, to ensure a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A strong commitment to your continuous learning and growth. The company provides a budget for attending industry conferences, pursuing certifications, and participating in executive leadership training programs.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to ensure a smooth transition to the vibrant Baton Rouge, Louisiana area.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive recruitment partner for this confidential search. If you are a visionary R&D leader with the qualifications and passion to drive the next generation of advanced materials, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this pivotal role, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and leadership philosophy. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit our Chemicals & Materials Recruiting Practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application.
