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# VP, Research & Development with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Philadelphia, PA


Role Overview for VP, Research & Development with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Philadelphia, PA
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to identify a transformative Vice President of Research & Development for a market-leading specialty chemicals company headquartered in the greater Philadelphia area. Our client is a dynamic, forward-thinking organization renowned for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric solutions. They have built a formidable reputation by developing high-performance chemical products that serve a diverse range of industries, including electronics, automotive, personal care, and industrial coatings.
This is a career-defining opportunity for a strategic and visionary leader to take the helm of the company’s entire R&D function. Reporting directly to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), the VP of R&D will serve as a critical member of the senior leadership team, responsible for shaping and executing the technological vision that will fuel the company’s next phase of growth. This role is not merely about managing a laboratory; it is about architecting the future. The successful candidate will be responsible for the entire innovation lifecycle, from fundamental research and ideation through to product development, scale-up, and successful commercialization.
You will be tasked with fostering a world-class culture of scientific inquiry, creativity, and disciplined execution. Leading a talented, multidisciplinary team of chemists, engineers, and technicians, you will drive the development of a robust and profitable product pipeline that anticipates market trends and addresses unmet customer needs. This position requires a unique blend of deep scientific expertise, exceptional leadership capabilities, and sharp business acumen. You will be the central force translating cutting-edge science into tangible commercial success, ensuring the company maintains its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving global market. Based in Philadelphia, a historic hub for the chemical industry, you will be perfectly positioned to leverage the region’s rich ecosystem of talent and research institutions.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Research & Development with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Philadelphia, PA
Strategic Technology Leadership
Develop, articulate, and implement the company’s long-term R&D strategy and technology roadmap, ensuring tight alignment with overall corporate objectives and financial goals. Present strategic plans, project updates, and technological assessments to the executive team and Board of Directors.
Innovation Pipeline Management
Oversee the entire new product development portfolio, from early-stage conceptualization to final product launch. Implement and refine stage-gate processes to effectively manage risk, prioritize high-impact projects, and ensure efficient allocation of resources. Champion a balanced portfolio of short-term product enhancements and long-term, breakthrough innovations.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing R&D organization. Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that encourages intellectual curiosity, creative problem-solving, and professional growth. Establish clear performance metrics, provide regular feedback, and build a strong succession pipeline for key technical and leadership roles within the department.
Budgetary and Financial Oversight
Develop and manage the annual R&D budget, ensuring all projects are delivered on time and within financial constraints. Champion investments in new technologies, instrumentation, and capabilities that provide a strong return on investment and enhance the company’s competitive position.
Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy
Direct the company’s intellectual property strategy in collaboration with legal counsel. Oversee the patent application process, manage the existing patent portfolio, and safeguard valuable trade secrets to create a defensible competitive advantage.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety
Guarantee that all research and development activities adhere to the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship. Ensure full compliance with all relevant local, national, and international regulations (e.g., EPA, OSHA, REACH), and promote a culture where safety is paramount. Maintain a deep understanding of global standards and best practices in chemical management.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key partner to other functional leaders across the organization. Work intimately with Sales and Marketing to understand customer needs and market opportunities, with Operations to ensure seamless technology transfer and manufacturing scale-up, and with Supply Chain to evaluate new raw materials and suppliers.
Technology Scouting and External Partnerships
Act as the company’s chief technology scout, continuously monitoring the external landscape for emerging scientific trends, disruptive technologies, and potential acquisition or licensing opportunities. Cultivate a strong network of relationships with universities, national laboratories, industry consortia, and technology startups to drive open innovation.
Requirements for the VP, Research & Development with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Philadelphia, PA
Educational Background
A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a closely related discipline is required. An MBA or advanced business training is highly desirable.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in an industrial R&D environment within the chemical industry, with at least 7 years in a significant leadership capacity (e.g., Director, Senior Director). Direct experience within the specialty chemicals sector is mandatory.
Technical Expertise
Demonstrated expertise in areas relevant to specialty chemicals, such as polymer chemistry, organic synthesis, formulation science, surface chemistry, or materials characterization. Proven track record of successfully leading teams to invent, develop, and commercialize new products.
Leadership Acumen
Exceptional leadership skills with a proven ability to build, develop, and motivate large, multidisciplinary technical teams. A history of fostering innovation and creating a high-performance culture is essential.
Business and Financial Acumen
Strong understanding of the business implications of R&D. Experience with budget management, financial modeling (ROI, NPV), market analysis, and strategic planning is required. Prior experience with P&L influence or responsibility is a significant plus.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills. The ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and persuasively to a wide range of audiences, from Ph.D. chemists to the Board of Directors and key customers.
Intellectual Property Management
Verifiable experience in managing a corporate IP portfolio, including patent filings, freedom-to-operate analyses, and competitive intelligence.
Strategic Vision
A strategic thinker who can identify long-term market trends and translate them into a coherent and actionable technology strategy that drives sustainable business growth.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package, including:

A competitive executive base salary and performance-based annual bonus.
A 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 life insurance for you and your family.
A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
A dedicated budget for professional development, including conferences, executive education, and industry memberships.
A comprehensive relocation assistance package for the successful candidate and their family.
The opportunity to make a significant impact as part of a dynamic and collaborative senior leadership team.

How to Apply
If you are a visionary R&D leader with a passion for innovation and a track record of commercial success in the specialty chemicals industry, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. JRG Partners is the exclusive recruitment partner for this confidential search. All applications will be treated with the utmost discretion.
To be considered, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role. You can also learn more about our expertise by visiting our Chemicals & Materials practice area. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can help shape the future of this industry leader.