Global R&D Manager
Location: Ras Al Khaimah
1. Job Summary
The Global R&D Manager will lead research, innovation, and product development across our clients global business units. The role focuses on developing and improving products across thermal and acoustic insulation, polymer and rubber-based materials, ducting, fire and life safety solutions, tapes, sealing systems, and other building and industrial products.
The successful candidate will drive global R&D strategy, develop new technologies, optimize formulations and manufacturing processes, and commercialize innovative products that meet customer requirements, international standards, and business objectives.
2. Key Responsibilities
• Develop and implement the global R&D strategy, innovation roadmap, and new product development plans.
• Lead the development of new products and technologies across Aerofoam, Aerosound, Aeroduct, Aerosafe, Rubtech, Diamond Tapes, Flexicell, and other relevant product divisions.
• Drive innovation in polymer science, rubber compounds, foam materials, insulation, acoustic solutions, tapes, sealing systems, and related technologies.
• Oversee the complete product development lifecycle, from market research and feasibility studies to prototyping, testing, certification, manufacturing scale-up, and commercialization.
• Improve existing products through material innovation, formulation optimization, cost reduction, quality enhancement, and process improvement.
• Identify emerging technologies, customer needs, market trends, and opportunities for new product development across global markets.
• Establish global standards for product testing, validation, technical documentation, and certification in coordination with relevant teams.
• Lead and develop R&D teams, promote technical knowledge sharing, and coordinate projects across international manufacturing locations.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Sales, Marketing, Procurement, and senior management to align R&D projects with business priorities.
• Manage R&D budgets, resources, project timelines, technology investments, and commercial feasibility assessments.
• Build strategic partnerships with raw material suppliers, research institutions, testing laboratories, and technology providers.
3. Education & Experience
• Master's degree in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related discipline; PhD is an advantage.
• Minimum 12- 15 years of relevant R&D experience in manufacturing, materials science, polymers, or related industries.
• Proven experience in new product development, material innovation, formulation development, and commercialization.
• Demonstrated experience leading R&D teams and managing cross-functional or multi-location projects.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, product testing, international standards, and product certification.
4. Essential Competencies
• Strong technical expertise in polymers, rubber, foam materials, insulation, and related product technologies.
• Strategic leadership, innovation management, and project portfolio management.
• Experience in product lifecycle management, process optimization, and cost engineering.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, budgeting, and business case development skills.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and cross-functional leadership abilities.
