R&D Manager

Job Description:

SUMMARY

The R&D Manager is a key contributor to the successful development and execution of major innovation growth initiatives for the ITW Performance Polymers Division. This role is responsible for understanding emerging market and technology trends, interfacing with customers, sales, and marketing teams, and leading the development and commercialization of differentiated adhesive and coating products.

The R&D Manager brings best‑in‑class ideation and innovation methodologies to deliver a strong pipeline of customer‑focused solutions that address unmet needs and build a sustained, differentiated product portfolio. This role offers an accelerated career growth path toward a top R&D leadership position within the Division, part of a Fortune 200 organization!

ITW’S BUSINESS MODEL & CULTURE:

• We have an environment shaped by our decentralized, entrepreneurial culture that brings our exciting ideas to life.  Our people thrive in our “flexibility within the framework” approach.

• We are committed to providing you with growth and development opportunities that maximize your unique potential.

• Our culture empowers you to think and act like a business owner – we want your entrepreneurial spirit to thrive!

• Be a part of One ITW/One Team, where everyone’s contribution matters in our quest to achieve our full potential.

• We live by our Core Values: simplicity, sharing risk, integrity, respect, and trust.

YOU MIGHT LIKE THIS JOB IF YOU ARE/HAVE…

• Are an entrepreneur and self-starter – you enjoy taking ownership of your surroundings and constantly seek to find ways to improve. 

• Thrive in a fast-paced environment that keeps you on your toes – you love a good challenge and stay calm under pressure. 

• Are passionate about people management and collaboration. You enjoy working with others and find satisfaction in helping to develop the skills and capabilities of those around you. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Innovation & Product Development

• Define and execute customer-based innovation strategies to commercialize differentiated products, improve existing products, and solve complex material related challenges in line with division objectives.

• Lead the development of new adhesive and coating products across acrylic, epoxy, urethane, polyester, and hybrid technologies.

• Collaborate closely with Marketing and Sales to translate Voice of Customer (VOC) insights into robust technology and product roadmaps.

• Drive prioritization and timely execution of innovation programs supporting the Plexus and Devcon brands.

• Apply formal innovation processes (e.g., stage gate) to manage the innovation pipeline and ensure disciplined execution.

Cross Functional Collaboration & Quality Support

• Partner with Operations, Sourcing, and Quality teams to ensure product robustness, manufacturability, and consistency.

• Review and approve formulation adjustments, raw material changes, process modifications, and testing procedure updates to maintain product conformance and reduce rejects.

• Serve as a technical resource to internal and external customers to resolve material quality and production related issues.

Leadership & Department Management

• Actively manage the Danvers R&D department, including people leadership, budgeting, and CAPEX planning, to achieve division innovation goals.

• Build, mentor, and develop a high performing R&D team aligned with current and future business needs.

• Create and sustain a digital, inclusive, collaborative, and inspiring working culture that encourages creativity and accountability.

• Promote, support, and adhere to all safety, environmental and quality related policies and procedures. 

Intellectual Property & Partnerships

• Maintain and expand the division’s patent portfolio and trade secrets to protect ITW intellectual property and enable revenue growth.

• Partner with other ITW divisions and key suppliers to strengthen technical capabilities and accelerate the pace of innovation.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, or Chemical Engineering required

• Ph.D. preferred

• 10–12+ years of progressive experience in adhesives and/or coatings R&D, including development of differentiated commercial products.

• Demonstrated success leading technical teams and delivering new product launches.

• Strong familiarity with innovation funnels, stage gate development processes, and product lifecycle management.

• Experience working with suppliers and maintaining ISO and IATF quality standards.

• Strong technical expertise in polymer chemistry and formulation development.

• Proven leadership, project management, and change management capabilities.

• High intellectual curiosity with excellent problem solving and analytical decision-making skills.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present effectively to senior management and customers.

• Ability to work effectively in a cross functional, matrixed environment.

• Willingness and ability to travel up to approximately 20%, including occasional short notice travel.

Compensation Information:

The salary for this role is $110,000.00 - $170,000.00. This is the range that we in good faith anticipate relying on when setting wages for this position. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range. This salary range may also be modified in the future.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.