Global Fire Protection Portfolio R&D Technical Director

Overview

In this role you will lead the full lifecycle of intumescent coatings development from concept to commercialization, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with market needs. You will work across global R&D teams to drive innovation, performance, and system integration while maintaining regulatory compliance. You will steer third-party testing programs and ensure product performance in real-world applications. This position partners with marketing and regulatory functions to deliver Fire Center of Excellence initiatives and strategic business goals.

Pay / Benefits

• life benefits and health & well-being
• career development opportunities
• inclusive team and community

Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle of intumescent coating development from concept to commercialization
• Drive executional excellence across global R&D teams with alignment to business cases and market strategies
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement in product performance and system integration
• Serve as the technical authority on global fire protection standards (UL, EN, ASTM, ISO) ensuring regulatory compliance
• Develop and manage third-party testing programs with external laboratories and certification bodies
• Monitor evolving regulatory landscapes and adjust development strategies to maintain compliance
• Oversee physical property testing (adhesion, durability, thermal expansion, fire resistance) and ensure substrate compatibility
• Lead system-level validation for real-world application performance
• Collaborate with Global Fire Portfolio Marketing Director to align technical development with customer needs and market trends
• Translate business cases into actionable R&D plans with clear deliverables and success metrics
• Provide technical leadership across cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration among R&D, marketing, regulatory, and operations
• Lead the Fire Center of Excellence (FCOE) approvals and completions

Key requirements

• Advanced degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related technical field
• Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in coatings or specialty chemicals R&D
• Strong emphasis on regulatory compliance and product delivery
• Deep expertise in global fire protection standards and certification processes
• Experience engaging with third-party testing agencies

• excellent communication
• stakeholder engagement
• influence across technical and commercial domains
• global fire protection standards (UL, EN, ASTM, ISO)
• third-party testing coordination
• physical property testing (adhesion, durability, thermal expansion, fire resistance)

…