R&D Technical Manager

Position Summary

Job Title: Technical Manager
Department: Research & Development
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports To: VP, Technology

Purpose and Scope

The Technical Manager is responsible for managing and supporting customer-focused technical projects. This role ensures that customer requirements for material performance, processing, and application are met through effective formulation development, testing, and technical service.

The position works closely with customers, sales, production, and quality teams to develop and modify compounds, support product trials, and resolve technical issues. The Technical Manager also collaborates with the Group R&D organization to transfer new technologies, share application knowledge, and align local development activities with global initiatives.

This role oversees day-to-day laboratory operations, ensuring accurate formulation work, proper documentation, and compliance with company and regulatory standards. The Technical Manager plays a key role in supporting continuous improvement of products and processes to meet evolving customer and market needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded as management deems necessary. Duties may be accomplished directly or through appropriate staff and resources.

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead and develop the local technical team at the Broadview facility, including laboratory and technical support staff.
• Manage R&D resources, including budgets, equipment, staffing, and workload planning.
• Oversee recruitment, training, performance evaluations, and employee development.
• Establish clear priorities and ensure timely completion of customer projects, testing, and product development activities.
• Promote a positive, collaborative culture across departments and within the technical team.

Customer and Commercial Support

• Maintain strong relationships with key customers and suppliers, providing technical support and collaboration on new product initiatives.
• Serve as the primary technical contact for customers, offering formulation guidance, processing recommendations, and troubleshooting assistance.
• Support the sales team with product development, technical data, and customer presentations or training.

Product and Process Development

• Manage and execute technical projects involving new product development, compound modification, and process optimization.
• Develop and test formulations to meet customer performance, regulatory, and cost targets.
• Oversee product approval processes, testing protocols, and specification management.
• Evaluate and approve raw materials and maintain accurate item masters, finished compound recipes, and test specifications within the ERP system.
• Support production scale-up, ensuring smooth transitions from laboratory to full-scale manufacturing.

Regulatory and Quality Compliance

• Ensure all products and raw materials comply with applicable regulatory and product safety standards (e.g., REACH, RoHS, FDA, Proposition 65).
• Maintain technical documentation and regulatory data to support customer and internal compliance requirements.
• Develop and maintain R&D procedures and standard work practices aligned with ISO and company management systems.
• Ensure technical compliance with federal, state, and local safety and environmental regulations.

Continuous Improvement and Collaboration

• Collaborate with Group R&D and the VP of Operations to share knowledge, transfer technology, and support global development initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement in product quality, process efficiency, and operational consistency.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives to improve production output, reduce costs, and support sustainability objectives.
• Provide technical training internally and externally as needed.

Ideal Competencies Required for the Role

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of thermoplastic compounding and related R&D processes. Experience with thermoplastic elastomers is highly desirable.
• Leadership and Staff Management: Proven ability to lead, develop, and empower employees; skilled in feedback, mentoring, and development planning.
• Planning and Process Management: Strong ability to organize, prioritize, and oversee technical projects.
• Forward-Thinking and Innovation: Ability to identify opportunities for product, process, and organizational improvements.
• Effective Communication: Ability to convey complex technical information clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaboration: Works effectively across marketing, production, quality, and sales functions.
• Resource Management: Skilled in managing budgets, equipment, and personnel efficiently.
• Problem Solving and Analytical Skills: Strong mathematical, reasoning, and troubleshooting abilities.
• Attention to Detail: High standards for accuracy, documentation, and quality.
• Time Management and Adaptability: Ability to manage multiple priorities and adjust to changing demands.

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Polymer Chemistry or a related discipline required.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in thermoplastic chemistries within a plastic compounding manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of analytical instrumentation and testing methods preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook) required.
• Experience with project management, CRM, ERP, and MRP systems required.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to high or precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.

Noise levels vary from loud in plant areas to quiet in office areas.

To Apply

If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role to:

Email: nicholas.hindman@hexpoltpe.com