Research and Development Manager in Bolton

As the R&D Manager within Fire Protection, you will be an expert in your field with experience in managing and leading teams, projects, and R&D functions. Ideally, you will have some experience in fire protection or coatings. This position offers an exciting and unique opportunity to showcase your expertise and be involved in large-scale projects and development.

In this role you will be responsible for:

• Developing and implementing strategies and action plans to ensure the department meets its core objectives efficiently.
• Regularly analysing performance data, implementing improvement measures, and monitoring results to ensure corrective actions are effective.
• Leading process simplification efforts to support the management team and staff.
• Reporting on departmental metrics agreed upon with the R&D Director, using performance measures to drive continuous improvement.
• Promoting technical excellence and enhancing company knowledge of application techniques, market developments, and evolving customer requirements through direct communication and business planning.
• Representing the company at customer facilities, industry committees, and relevant conferences as needed.

The skills and experience we are ideally looking for:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer/Materials Science, or a related field.
• Over 10 years of experience in people management and industry roles.
• Proven track record in product development, utilising stage-gated project plans.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of presenting clear and structured project plans and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong technical expertise in protective coatings and fire protection (Cellulosic & Hydrocarbon).
• In-depth knowledge of global regulatory standards and industry testing for intumescent coatings.
• Experience in launching new products within manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and continuous improvement tools, with hands-on project management experience using stage-gated processes.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, coach, and manage a diverse team.

Location:

This role is based at our Bolton site in Greater Manchester. Hybrid working options are available. Some international travel may be required.

Our offer includes:

• Work life balance
• Attractive compensation programme
• Bonus plan
• Private medical insurance
• Career growth opportunities in a truly international environment
• Innovation leaders in the protective coatings industry
• Sherwin Academy offers continuous training programmes for all seniority levels
• Attractive wellbeing, mental health, women & inclusion and ID&E programmes

Eligibility to Work:

You will need to provide proof of right to work. It is a condition of any offer of employment we make to you that you have the permission to work in the country for the role for which you are applying for.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

An equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, colour, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic or national origin, disability, age pregnancy or maternity, marital or civil partner status, or any other protected characteristic prohibited by law.

Please be aware, Sherwin-Williams recruiting team members will never request a candidate to provide a payment, ask for financial information, or sensitive personal information like national identification numbers, date of birth, or bank account numbers during the application process.