R&D Manager (Nitrile Gloves)

• Lead the establishment of the nitrile glove development team, recruiting top talent and fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
• Develop and execute the R&D strategy to drive product innovation, quality improvement, and cost optimization in the field of nitrile glove manufacturing.
• Drive the development of new nitrile glove materials, formulations, and technologies, from concept to commercialization, ensuring alignment with market needs and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality assurance, marketing, and sales to identify customer requirements, market trends, and opportunities for differentiation.
• Champion a culture of continuous learning and improvement, fostering the adoption of best practices, emerging technologies, and industry standards within the development team.
• Establish robust processes and protocols for experimental design, testing, and validation of nitrile glove prototypes, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility of results.
• Manage the budget, resources, and timelines for R&D projects, prioritizing initiatives and allocating resources effectively to meet business objectives.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with suppliers, research institutions, and industry stakeholders to leverage external expertise, resources, and capabilities.
• Lead intellectual property strategy for nitrile glove technology and innovations, including patent applications, freedom-to-operate analysis, and technology licensing agreements.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to team members, fostering their professional growth and development.

• Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, polymer science, or a related field. Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in research and development, with a focus on glove manufacturing, polymer materials, or related industries.
• Proven track record of success in leading R&D teams and delivering innovative products to market, preferably in the nitrile glove industry.
• Deep understanding of polymer chemistry, material characterization techniques, and manufacturing processes relevant to glove production.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and allocate resources effectively.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and draw actionable insights.
• Demonstrated leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire cross-functional teams towards common goals.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and standards relevant to glove manufacturing, including FDA regulations, ASTM standards, and ISO certifications.
• Experience with intellectual property management, including patent strategy, patent drafting, and technology licensing agreements, is desirable.

• Strong opportunities for growth
• Attractive remuneration packages

Michael Page