R&D Senior Project Leader in London

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protection in the building sector and industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 103 countries around the world, produces in over 400 factories, and develops innovative technologies for customers worldwide. In doing so, it plays a crucial role in enabling the transformation of the construction and transportation industries toward greater environmental compatibility.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Project Leader to join our UK Research & Development team. This role plays a key part in leading and delivering complex, high‑impact R&D projects across the business, spanning product development, product maintenance, and innovation activities, primarily in the area of hybrid polyurethane cement flooring systems such as Sika® Ucrete®.

You will take ownership of projects from concept through to implementation, ensuring disciplined execution in line with our Product Creation Process (PCP), while upholding the highest standards of safety, quality, and technical integrity. This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong and structured project leader who enjoys working cross‑functionally and driving robust outcomes in an industrial R&D environment.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and deliver cross‑functional R&D projects from concept to implementation, owning scope, objectives, timelines, risks, and deliverables.
• Execute projects in line with structured product development processes (e.g. PCP / stage‑gate).
• Coordinate and align inputs from R&D, Operations, Quality, Marketing, and Supply Chain.
• Act as the technical project lead within assigned technology areas, defining experimental strategy and reviewing data quality and conclusions.
• Provide day‑to‑day coordination, technical guidance, and mentorship within project teams (without direct line management responsibility).
• Ensure full compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements across all project activities.
• Support product maintenance, troubleshooting, and root‑cause investigations linked to projects.
• Contribute to innovation and continuous improvement initiatives, including feasibility studies and proof‑of‑concept work.
• Interface with external partners such as universities, suppliers, and global R&D colleagues when required.

What success looks like

• Projects delivered on time, to agreed scope, cost, and quality.
• High levels of compliance in PCP audits and project documentation.
• Effective resolution of complex technical challenges.
• Strong safety performance with minimal audit findings.
• Positive feedback from project stakeholders and team members.
• Tangible contributions to innovation pipelines, new products, or intellectual property.

About you

You are a structured and delivery‑focused professional with a strong technical background and proven experience leading complex R&D projects in an industrial setting.

Qualifications

Essential qualifications and experience

• Degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
• Strong experience in industrial R&D, primarily in the area of hybrid polyurethane cement flooring systems. Experience in formulating other thermoset resin coating and flooring systems is also relevant.
• Proven track record of leading complex technical or development projects.
• Sound knowledge of structured product development processes (e.g. PCP, stage‑gate).

Key competencies

• Disciplined, well‑organised, and delivery‑oriented mindset.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Clear and confident communicator across technical and non‑technical audiences.
• High standards of integrity, safety, and quality.
• Proactive and solutions‑oriented, with the confidence to challenge constructively.

Eligibility

This role is open to candidates who are eligible to work in the UK.

Additional Information

We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based on skills relevant to the position, education and/or training. We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.