R&D Manager (Strong Organic Chemistry Background Req.)
Location: Spartanburg, SC
Salary: $100,000–$120,000 + Benefits
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, 401K w/ Match, PTO
Job Type: Full-Time 
Typical Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET
Start Date: ASAP
Sponsorship: Not available
Relocation Assistance: Stipend Available

R&D Manager (Strong Organic Chemistry Background Req.) Description

Our client in the chemical manufacturing space is looking for an R&D Manager to join their team in Spartanburg, SC. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will spend the majority of your time in the lab, guiding a team of early-career chemists, supporting custom formulations, and collaborating closely with production teams and customers. This role offers a growth opportunity for a talented Senior Chemist or a new challenge for an experienced R&D leader. The ideal candidate brings hands-on laboratory experience in an industrial manufacturing setting, possesses deep expertise in organic chemistry, and has the ability to reverse-engineer molecules. This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established and growing company with a collaborative team of scientists, long-tenured employees, and a dynamic environment where every day is different.

R&D Manager (Strong Organic Chemistry Background Req.) Responsibilities

•    Lead and oversee daily operations of the R&D Laboratory 
•    Mentor and train a team of chemists
•    Drive product development from concept to production
•    Reverse engineer molecules to meet customer and production needs
•    Manage R&D project timelines, budgets, and expenditures
•    Support pilot trials, testing, and production scale-ups
•    Collaborate with cross-functional teams on technical projects
•    Coordinate customer and supplier technical communication
•    Maintain ISO system documentation, protocols, and compliance
•    Ensure safety, quality, and environmental standards are met
•    Oversee and coordinate company-wide R&D initiatives

R&D Manager (Strong Organic Chemistry Background Req.) Qualifications

•    Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, with a strong background in organic chemistry, is required
•    5+ years of laboratory and industrial R&D experience required
•    Expertise in reverse engineering molecules to match performance criteria is required
•    Strong understanding of laboratory practices and manufacturing processes is required
•    Tech-savvy and quick to adopt new software tools are required
•    Ability to work 100% on-site is required