Research and Development Project Manager
CRC Industries
Warminster, PA 18974, USA
6/14/2022
Technology
Full Time
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.
- Create and maintain project charters, timelines, resource plans, budgets, and risk registers; manage scope changes and tradeoffs.
- 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.
- Plan and execute lab testing, application testing, and field trials across Industrial, Automotive, and Consumer environments to substantiate performance.
- 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.
- Coordinate regulatory readiness including SDS/labeling updates, VOC/chemical restrictions, and product stewardship requirements.
- 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.
- Support major customer engagements where technical input and project planning are required (strategic accounts, industrial end users, and channel partners).
- 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).
- Improve development cycle time, predictability, and execution quality through lessons learned and post-launch reviews.
- 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).
- 7+ years of progressive experience in chemical product development / R experience in MRO/maintenance chemical markets strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated project management experience leading cross-functional development programs; PMP (or equivalent) preferred.
- Working knowledge of regulatory/compliance requirements relevant to chemical products (SDS/HazCom, labeling, VOC constraints, transport/packaging).
- Ability to travel as needed to support field trials, plant trials, and key stakeholder engagements.
- 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.
- Proven project management capability (scope, timeline, resources, risk, and cost) using a stage-gate or equivalent governance model.
- Working understanding of downstream environments across Industrial maintenance, Automotive repair, and Consumer/hardware retail use cases.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without authority; comfortable running structured gate reviews and executive updates.
- Strong analytical skills with a data-driven mindset for prioritization, decision-making, and continuous improvement.
- Knowledge of regulatory and compliance considerations relevant to chemical products (e.g., SDS/HazCom, labeling, VOC constraints, transportation/packaging requirements).
- 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).
- Experience coordinating pilot/scale-up and supporting manufacturing trial readiness for chemical products.
- 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.
- Proven project management capability (scope, timeline, resources, risk, and cost) using a stage-gate or equivalent governance model.
- Working understanding of downstream environments across Industrial maintenance, Automotive repair, and Consumer/hardware retail use cases.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without authority; comfortable running structured gate reviews and executive updates.
- Strong analytical skills with a data-driven mindset for prioritization, decision-making, and continuous improvement.
- Knowledge of regulatory and compliance considerations relevant to chemical products (e.g., SDS/HazCom, labeling, VOC constraints, transportation/packaging requirements).
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; able to create clear technical documentation and enablement materials.
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