Research and Development Project Manager

Job Description

This position is responsible for leading cross-functional research and development programs from concept through commercialization for CRC’s repair and maintenance chemical portfolio across Industrial, Automotive, and Consumer end-user environments. The role provides structured project leadership, technical coordination, and disciplined execution to deliver on-time, on-spec, and compliant product outcomes, partnering closely with Marketing, Sales, Regulatory, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain.

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DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

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R&D Program / Project Leadership

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• Lead new product development (NPD), reformulation, and cost/quality improvement projects using a structured governance model.

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• Create and maintain project charters, timelines, resource plans, budgets, and risk registers; manage scope changes and tradeoffs.

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• Facilitate gate reviews and cross-functional cadence; ensure decisions and action items are documented and executed.

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Technical Development & Validation

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• Coordinate formulation development, test method selection, and performance validation aligned to defined use cases and claims.

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• Plan and execute lab testing, application testing, and field trials across Industrial, Automotive, and Consumer environments to substantiate performance.

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• Develop and maintain technical documentation (test reports, claim substantiation, technical data sheets) and support training content as needed.

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Downstream Readiness (Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, Packaging)

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• Partner with Operations and Quality to execute scale-up, pilot runs, and manufacturing trials; drive root cause analysis and corrective actions when issues arise.

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• Coordinate regulatory readiness including SDS/labeling updates, VOC/chemical restrictions, and product stewardship requirements.

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• Lead packaging and label readiness (fit-for-channel, durability, compliance, and brand requirements) in coordination with Marketing and Supply Chain.

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Voice of Customer / Market Alignment

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• Partner with Sales, Marketing, and Technical Services to translate customer feedback and downstream conditions into product requirements and test plans.

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• Support major customer engagements where technical input and project planning are required (strategic accounts, industrial end users, and channel partners).

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• Monitor competitive products and market shifts; recommend portfolio improvements that drive performance, compliance, and ease-of-use.

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Continuous Improvement & Process Standardization

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• Build standard work for R&D project management (templates, deliverables, KPIs, reporting cadence).

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• Improve development cycle time, predictability, and execution quality through lessons learned and post-launch reviews.

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• Contribute to R&D resource planning and portfolio prioritization to ensure focus on highest-value initiatives.

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Experience

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• Bachelor Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering Materials Science, or related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).

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• 7+ years of progressive experience in chemical product development / R experience in MRO/maintenance chemical markets strongly preferred.

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• Demonstrated project management experience leading cross-functional development programs; PMP (or equivalent) preferred.

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• Working knowledge of regulatory/compliance requirements relevant to chemical products (SDS/HazCom, labeling, VOC constraints, transport/packaging).

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• Ability to travel as needed to support field trials, plant trials, and key stakeholder engagements.

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• Strong technical Strong technical aptitude in chemical product development with the ability to translate real-world repair/maintenance needs into performance requirements and test plans.

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• Proven project management capability (scope, timeline, resources, risk, and cost) using a stage-gate or equivalent governance model.

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• Working understanding of downstream environments across Industrial maintenance, Automotive repair, and Consumer/hardware retail use cases.

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• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without authority; comfortable running structured gate reviews and executive updates.

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• Strong analytical skills with a data-driven mindset for prioritization, decision-making, and continuous improvement.

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• Knowledge of regulatory and compliance considerations relevant to chemical products (e.g., SDS/HazCom, labeling, VOC constraints, transportation/packaging requirements).

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• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; able to create clear technical documentation and enablement materials.

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Preferred Qualifications (Optional):

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• Experience developing and commercializing repair/maintenance chemical products (aerosols, lubricants, cleaners, corrosion inhibitors, adhesives/sealants).

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• Experience coordinating pilot/scale-up and supporting manufacturing trial readiness for chemical products.

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• Experience partnering with Sales/Marketing on claims, training, and commercialization enablement.

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Skills:

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• Strong technical aptitude in chemical product development with the ability to translate real-world repair/maintenance needs into performance requirements and test plans.

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• Proven project management capability (scope, timeline, resources, risk, and cost) using a stage-gate or equivalent governance model.

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• Working understanding of downstream environments across Industrial maintenance, Automotive repair, and Consumer/hardware retail use cases.

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• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without authority; comfortable running structured gate reviews and executive updates.

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• Strong analytical skills with a data-driven mindset for prioritization, decision-making, and continuous improvement.

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• Knowledge of regulatory and compliance considerations relevant to chemical products (e.g., SDS/HazCom, labeling, VOC constraints, transportation/packaging requirements).

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• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; able to create clear technical documentation and enablement materials.

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