At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative product development for fire protection coatings from concept to market.
- Company: Join a global leader in fire safety solutions with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Internal candidates only; apply by 12th June for a chance to lead in fire protection.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in fire safety while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Advanced degree in a technical field and 10 years of R&D leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Responsibilities
- Product Development & Execution
- Lead the full lifecycle of product development for intumescent coatings, ensuring timely and successful delivery from concept to commercialization.
- Drive executional excellence across global R&D teams, ensuring alignment with business cases and market strategies.
- Champion innovation and continuous improvement in product performance, application, and system integration.
- Regulatory Standards & Third-Party Testing
- Serve as the technical authority on global fire protection standards (UL, EN, ASTM, ISO), ensuring all products meet or exceed regulatory and certification requirements.
- Develop and manage third-party testing programs, including coordination with external laboratories and certification bodies.
- Monitor and respond to evolving regulatory landscapes, proactively adjusting development strategies to maintain compliance.
- Physical Property & Compatibility Testing
- Oversee rigorous testing of product physical properties including adhesion, durability, thermal expansion, and fire resistance.
- Ensure environmental and physical compatibility across substrates, surface preparation methods, primers, and topcoats.
- Lead system-level validation to ensure product performance in real-world applications.
- Strategic Collaboration & Leadership
- Partner closely with the Global Fire Portfolio Marketing Director to align technical development with customer needs, market trends, and strategic priorities.
- Translate business cases into clear, actionable R&D plans with defined deliverables and success metrics.
- Provide technical leadership across cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration between R&D, marketing, regulatory, and operations.
- Key Stakeholder in the delivery of the Fire Center of Excellence (FCOE) Approval and Completion
Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in coatings or specialty chemicals R&D, with a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance and product delivery.
- Deep expertise in global fire protection standards and certification processes, including successful engagement with third-party testing agencies.
- Preferred:
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage complex technical programs, and deliver results aligned with strategic business goals.
- Strong background in physical property testing and system compatibility, especially in multi-layer coating systems.
- Skilled in technical decision-making, risk management, and resource prioritization across global teams.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence across technical and commercial domains.
This vacancy is advertised exclusively for internal candidates, with a closing date of Friday 12th June. Interview dates: Proposed for the week commencing 8th and 15th June. Successful candidates will be notified in advance, allowing time to prepare.
Please be aware that you can apply for any internal job offer after minimum one year in current role having previously informed your manager. Please read the How to apply internally guidelines before handing in your application. All internal employees when applying for a role are required to upload their updated C.V and their last 2 appraisals (which can be retrieved from HR Cloud).
Global Fire Protection Portfolio R&D Technical Director in Bolton employer: Sherwin-Williams
As a leading innovator in fire protection solutions, our company offers an exceptional work environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide ample opportunities for growth and advancement within our global R&D teams. Located in a vibrant area, we not only prioritise regulatory excellence but also champion a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, making us an ideal employer for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers.
