Research & Development Director - Coatings
Kohler, WI US
Job Description
Director of Technology
We are seeking a highly skilled Director of Technology to join our coatings and paint manufacturing team. The Director of Technology is a key leadership position with primary responsibilities for the development of next generation industrial coating technologies, current formula modification for maintenance and business growth opportunities, plant support, quality and assisting regulatory functions across two labs and manufacturing sites.
Key Responsibilities:
Development:
- Responsible for managing R&D personnel and lab footprints at two sites for the development of next generation liquid water based, solvent based and radiation cure technologies
- Work closely with supply partners in the development of novel chemistries to enable competitively differentiated value selling efforts
- Identify opportunities to expand intellectual property
- Execute statistically sound experimentation practices
- Use of Design for Six Sigma concepts and stage gate project management techniques to reduce project cycle-time and first run capable formulations
- Collaborate with cross-functional team leaders to ensure next generation technologies that deliver targeted customer value and are sustainable across supply-chain, manufacturing
- Manage and execute capital expenditures to support customer alignment and new technology as well as improve efficiency and/or quality of product development efforts
Maintenance of Business:
- Formula modifications to meet unique customer requests of performance for solution, application and film properties
- Color match to meet customer requests
- Support a business model of high degree of customization to meet individual customer requirements
Plant Support:
- Troubleshoot manufacturing issues with batch processing
- Support manufacturing team with process efficiency, new equipment project management and drive for cycle-time reduction, quality improvement and first run capable formulations
Quality Management:
- Problem solving to resolve customer and field complaints
- Manage all aspects of product quality
- Monthly report out of COPQ (Cost of Poor Quality) and continuous quality improvement using LSS tools and DMAIC problem solving techniques
**If you’d like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Steve Sapita at ssapita@cps4jobs.com.
JO: 17.25SS
#LI-SS2
Salary
$100,000 - $140,000
Benefits & Relo:
Relocation is on a case-by-case basis and currently done as a sign on bonus lump sum. Should cover physical move and trips associated with the move.
Benefits – Competitive Compensation: Attractive salary and performance-based bonuses. – Health Coverage: Comprehensive health insurance plans, including medical, dental, and vision. – Retirement Plan: 401(k) with company matching contributions. – Professional Development: Opportunities for training, mentorship, and career advancement. - Paid Time Off: Generous PTO policy and company-observed holidays. – Wellness Programs: Employee wellness initiatives and resources. – Additional Perks: Employee discounts, company events, and a supportive work environment.
Job Requirements
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in STEM field required, Master’s Degree preferred. Minimum of 5 years of experience managing Research and Development teams
- Minimum 10 years of Coatings experience, Industrial Coatings preferred
- LSS certified to Green Belt level certification required, Black Belt preferred
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with diverse teams
- Proficient in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Willing to travel up to 30% of the year
**If you’d like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Steve Sapita at ssapita@cps4jobs.com.
JO: 17.25SS
#LI-SS2
Meet Your Recruiter

Steve Sapita
Section Manager - Lab Industrial
SPECIALTIES: All Industrial Research & Development Laboratory related positions including: Formulation Chemist; Synthetic Chemist; R & D Leadership; Analytical Chemistry; Technical Service; Regulatory; Project Mangers; Process Chemistry; Environmental and Health; Quality Positions; Material Scientist.
EXPERIENCE: My area of specialty includes: Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, Specialty Chemicals, Building Materials, Polymers, Petrochemical, Agrochemical; Surface Cleaners; Ink; Surfactants; Resins.
The levels of candidates that I place include Chemists; Sr Chemists; Innovation; Directors; Quality Professionals; Technical Service Professionals; Production Supervisors; EHS Specialists; Scientist; Regulatory Professionals; and Laboratory Support Personnel.
I’M IN THIS BUSINESS BECAUSE: There’s no better feeling than helping someone realize their potential by assisting them in advancing their career. I love making that connection! My goal is to consistently build long lasting relationships with both my clients and my applicants.
CLIENTS CAN COUNT ON ME BECAUSE: I pride myself on the quality of my work and I truly CARE about their needs. The better I know them, the better my understanding is as to who would fit their needs.