R&D Manager
What’s the job?
- Lead the R&D function and supervise technical teams responsible for research, product development, testing, and commercialization
- Support business strategy through market trend analysis, competitive research, technology evaluation, and claims development
- Lead new product development initiatives from ideation through formulation, testing, qualification, manufacturing scale-up, and launch
- Develop and maintain a pipeline of innovative products that address customer needs and create differentiated market opportunities
- Provide technical expertise in lubricant chemistry and automotive oils and industrial fluids
- Manage product performance testing, qualification, validation, and competitive comparisons
- Partner with Marketing and business leadership to translate customer needs, market trends, and emerging technologies into product opportunities
- Establish and manage project milestones, timelines, budgets, and key performance indicators
- Lead continuous product differentiation and process improvement initiatives
- Develop strong relationships with suppliers, universities, customers, and other external technical partners
- Collaborate with other business units to assess opportunities, build capabilities, and accelerate innovation
- Support product lifecycle planning and maintain strong supplier relationships
- Apply stage-gate processes and 80/20 management principles to prioritize and execute R&D initiatives
- Foster a collaborative, accountable, innovative, and solution-oriented R&D culture
- Maintain a strong focus on safety, quality, and regulatory requirements
- Travel as needed to support customers, suppliers, partners, and business initiatives
What’s needed?
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related technical field
- 10+ years of experience leading technical or R&D teams
- Strong experience with lubricant materials, particularly oils and industrial fluids used in automotive applications
- Proven experience leading successful new product launches
- Strong understanding of innovation funnels and stage-gate product development processes
- Experience with product formulation, testing, qualification, validation, and manufacturing scale-up
- Strong supplier relationship management experience
- Experience maintaining ISO standards and managing product lifecycles
- Proven ability to translate market trends and customer needs into tangible product solutions
- Strong analytical, technical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Demonstrated ability to lead collaborative and accountable technical teams
- Ability to prioritize projects and respond quickly to changing market conditions
- Innovative, curious, flexible, and solutions-oriented mindset
- Strong commitment to safety
- Willingness to travel as required
- Master’s degree preferred
Key Details
- Compensation: $150,000–$160,000 annually
- Location: Greater Tampa, FL
- Work Model: Onsite
- Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employment Type: Direct Hire
- Relocation Assistance: Available
- Travel: As needed to support customers, suppliers, partners, and business initiatives
- Opportunity to lead the R&D function and directly influence product innovation and business growth
- Significant ownership over new product development, formulation, testing, and commercialization
- Opportunity to develop a differentiated portfolio of automotive aftermarket products
- High visibility and collaboration with Marketing, Business Unit leadership, suppliers, customers, and external technical partners
- Ability to shape R&D strategy and build a strong culture of innovation and accountability
- Exposure to emerging technologies, market trends, and new product opportunities
- Opportunity to make a direct impact on profitable growth through innovation and product development
- Leadership role with significant technical and strategic influence
Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply today. We’re actively interviewing and excited to meet you.
Thank you,
Nick Roche
#LI-NR1
LaSalle Intelligent Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer m/f/d/v.
LaSalle Intelligent Solutions (formerly LaSalle Network) helps organizations turn ambition into outcomes - delivering intelligence and expertise. As a leading provider of talent, advisory services and AI solutions, LaSalle has connected more than 130,000 professionals with opportunities across more than 15,000 clients to optimize operations and drive results. With teams specializing in Technology, Engineering, Accounting and Finance, Sales and Marketing, Supply Chain, Life Sciences, Professional Services, and HR & Operations, LaSalle serves companies of all sizes and across all industries. LaSalle has been recognized for its culture and growth by Inc., Forbes and Fortune.
