Role Overview for VP, R&D, Chemical Process Engineering with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Baton Rouge, LA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, innovation-driven specialty chemicals company in their search for a transformative Vice President of Research & Development, Chemical Process Engineering. Based in the strategic chemical industry hub of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, this executive leadership position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of a dynamic and growing organization. The successful candidate will be a visionary leader, a technical expert, and a strategic business partner, responsible for steering the company’s entire R&D and innovation engine.
As a key member of the executive leadership team, you will report directly to the Chief Technology Officer and will be entrusted with the critical mission of developing and executing a forward-thinking R&D strategy that aligns seamlessly with the company’s long-term business objectives. You will champion a culture of relentless innovation, scientific rigor, and commercial focus, transforming novel ideas into market-leading products and process improvements. This role is not just about managing a department; it is about building a legacy of technological advancement and sustainable growth.
You will oversee the entire R&D lifecycle, from fundamental research and ideation through process development, scale-up, pilot plant trials, and successful technology transfer to full-scale manufacturing. Your leadership will be instrumental in enhancing the company’s intellectual property portfolio, optimizing existing processes for efficiency and sustainability, and ensuring the product pipeline remains robust and competitive in a rapidly evolving global market. This position requires a leader who can bridge the gap between the laboratory and the marketplace, inspiring a talented team of scientists and engineers to achieve groundbreaking results.
Key Responsibilities of VP, R&D, Chemical Process Engineering with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Baton Rouge, LA
Strategic R&D Leadership
Develop, articulate, and implement a comprehensive R&D and technology roadmap that supports and drives the company’s strategic plan and commercial goals. Proactively identify emerging technologies, market trends, and competitive threats to position the company as an industry leader.
Team Development & Mentorship
Lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse, high-performing team of Ph.D. chemists, chemical engineers, and technicians. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and results-oriented culture that encourages creativity, risk-taking, and continuous learning. Implement robust talent management processes, including recruitment, performance management, and career development, to build a world-class R&D organization.
New Product & Process Innovation
Direct the end-to-end new product development pipeline, from concept validation to commercial launch. Oversee all aspects of chemical process engineering, including process design, modeling, optimization, and scale-up from bench to pilot and commercial scales. Ensure projects are managed effectively, meeting technical, budgetary, and timeline targets.
Intellectual Property Management
Spearhead the company’s intellectual property strategy. Work closely with legal counsel to identify patentable inventions, manage the patent application process, and protect the company’s trade secrets and technological advantages. Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the competitive IP landscape.
Fiscal & Resource Management
Develop and manage the annual R&D budget, ensuring optimal allocation of capital and resources to high-priority projects. Implement metrics and KPIs to track R&D performance, project ROI, and departmental efficiency, providing regular reports to the executive team.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as the primary R&D liaison to other key business functions. Collaborate intimately with Marketing and Sales to understand customer needs and market opportunities, with Operations and Manufacturing to ensure seamless technology transfer and product scale-up, and with Supply Chain to evaluate new raw materials.
Safety, Quality & Regulatory Compliance
Champion a world-class safety culture within the R&D organization, ensuring all activities adhere to the highest safety standards and protocols. Guarantee that all research, development, and product formulations comply with relevant local, state, and federal regulations (e.g., EPA, OSHA) and industry standards. Stay current on the principles promoted by organizations such as the Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS).
External Technology & Partnerships
Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with universities, national laboratories, research consortia, and technology startups to leverage external innovation. Scout for and evaluate new technologies, licensing opportunities, and potential acquisitions that align with the company’s strategic direction.
Requirements for the VP, R&D, Chemical Process Engineering with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Baton Rouge, LA
Educational Background
A Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Organic Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a closely related discipline is strongly preferred. A Master’s degree in a relevant field combined with an exceptional track record of leadership and innovation will be considered.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in industrial research and development within the specialty chemicals, polymers, petrochemicals, or related process industries. This must include at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Director, Senior Director, VP) with proven experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and significant budgets.
Technical Expertise
Demonstrated mastery of chemical process development, process intensification, and scale-up principles. Hands-on experience taking multiple products from laboratory concept through pilot plant and into successful commercial manufacturing is essential. Broad knowledge of various chemical synthesis techniques, analytical methodologies, and material characterization is required.
Commercialization Track Record
A proven and verifiable track record of successfully leading teams to develop and launch commercially successful products. Must be able to provide examples of tangible contributions to revenue growth and market share expansion through R&D initiatives.
Strategic & Business Acumen
Strong business and financial acumen with the ability to connect R&D activities directly to business outcomes. Experience developing technology roadmaps, conducting portfolio analysis, and building compelling business cases for R&D investments.
Leadership & Communication Skills
Exceptional leadership qualities with the ability to inspire, influence, and motivate teams. Must possess outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly and persuasively to a wide range of audiences, from technical teams to the Board of Directors.
Project Management Excellence
Proficiency with structured project management methodologies, such as Stage-Gate or Phase-Gate processes, for managing the R&D pipeline. A disciplined, data-driven approach to decision-making is critical.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A lucrative base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and a long-term incentive plan (e.g., stock options, equity grants) designed to reward strategic contributions and company success.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents. Robust wellness programs, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
Retirement Savings
A generous 401(k) retirement plan featuring a substantial company match to help you achieve your long-term financial goals.
Work-Life Balance
A significant amount of paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick days, and company-paid holidays, to ensure a healthy work-life integration.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to facilitate a smooth transition to the Baton Rouge area.
Professional Growth
A strong commitment to professional development, including support for attending industry conferences, executive education programs, and relevant certifications.
Impact & Visibility
The opportunity to hold a high-impact, highly visible role within a growing company, directly influencing its strategic direction and future success.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to manage this critical executive search. If you are a visionary R&D leader with the experience and passion to drive innovation in the specialty chemicals sector, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your confidential resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your qualifications and achievements. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Chemicals & Process Industries practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application.
