Senior R&D Manager

As the largest pureplay adhesives company in the world, H.B. Fuller’s (NYSE: FUL) innovative, functional coatings, adhesives and sealants enhance the quality, safety and performance of products people use every day. Founded in 1887, with 2025 revenue of $3.5 billion, our mission to Connect What Matters is brought to life by more than 7,100 global team members who collaborate with customers across more than 30 market segments in 150 countries to develop highly specified solutions that enable customers to bring world-changing innovations to their end markets. Learn more at www.hbfuller.com.

Overview

The Senior R&D Manager manages a team comprised of senior level professionals to achieve significant business impact. This role is a recognized expert internally and externally in an industry or technology. The Senior R&D Manager manages & optimizes team performance by articulating overall strategy & translating it into tangible team goals and objectives. This person drives possibility thinking & measurable results.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop a team of senior professionals with an ability to manage above sphere of influence
• Optimize team peak performance through empowerment, coaching, & development
• Drive possibility thinking within and outside your team and organization
• Understand & communicate strategy effectively & translate it into actionable goals and objectives to drive impactful results
• Manage & prioritize multiple projects on tight timelines & stakeholder expectations for delivering the highest business impact
• Prudently & creatively manage resources without compromising quality & results
• Lead large global or cross-functional project teams, collaborating across discipline, function and region.
• Provide technical leadership on Global Collaboration Teams in support of R&D initiatives & working groups
• Work outside of own organization & with customers/OEMs to meet objectives
• Work in a safe and efficient manner
• Coordinate the activities of professional staff in an assigned work area and/or manage first-line supervisors.
  
  
  

Key Competencies

• Management & Supervision: Manages activities of two or more disciplines or a department. Oversees experienced-level professionals and may be responsible for subordinate managers. Frequently advises team(s) on moderately complex matters.
• Knowledge & Application: Establishes operational objectives, policies, procedures and work plans and delegates assignments to subordinates. Develops, modifies and executes company policies that affect immediate operations and may also have company-wide effect.
• Complexity & Problem Solving: Works on issues where analysis of situations or data requires conceptual thinking and an in-depth knowledge of organizational objectives. Problems may often be poorly defined or lack strategic direction. Implements policies and selects methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Drives the strategy and success of larger projects which contribute to multiple areas of the organization.
• Discretion & Impact: Erroneous decisions will result in critical delay(s) in schedules and/or unit operations and may jeopardize overall business activities. Decisions directly impact short-term results of the team/ program/ group.
• Collaboration & Interaction: Interacts regularly with several functional areas, departments, and/or customers at all organizational levels. Requires the ability to persuade others in sensitive complex situations while preserving relationships. Applies knowledge to influence other stakeholders on desired departmental outcomes.
  
  
  

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of related experience (B.S. 10 years, M.S. 8 years, PhD 6 years)
• Expertise in polyurethane, epoxy and acrylic structural adhesives are preferred
• Strong technical background and knowledge of research and development for industry
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Track record of successful product development and innovation, from concept to commercialization.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to plan, execute, and monitor multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Knowledge of relevant regulations, standards, and intellectual property considerations in R&D activities.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment, with a strong sense of initiative and drive for results.
  
  
  

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, and geographic location.

The salary for this role is $136,000 - $179,000.

In addition to your salary, H.B. Fuller offers employees a competitive total rewards package including comprehensive benefits, incentive and recognitions programs, health & wellness benefits, 401K contributions, paid time off and paid holidays. Eligibility may vary.

H.B. Fuller is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and proud to have created a collaborative culture where employees around the world are seen, heard, and respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or marital status or status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected classification.

H.B. Fuller does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with H.B. Fuller, a written service agreement must be executed by Human Resources prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed service agreement, H.B. Fuller shall not be obligated for payment of any fee or compensation.