HA International, LLC · 12 hours ago
Research & Development Director
Westmont,IL,US
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
10+ years expHA International, LLC is seeking a visionary and hands-on Director of R&D to lead innovation in the foundry and chemical solutions industry. This role involves setting the technical roadmap, overseeing a team of chemists, and collaborating globally to bring breakthrough products to market.
Manufacturing
Responsibilities
Drive strategic and technical leadership across new product development, manufacturing support, and innovation pipeline
Partner with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Global Innovation Teams to align technical strategy with commercial growth
Represent our technical vision with external stakeholders, key customers, and industry organizations
Lead and develop a dynamic R&D team while instilling a culture of innovation, accountability, and scientific rigor
Translate customer pain points into breakthrough solutions—and bring them to market with discipline and speed
Bridge the gap between local innovation and global collaboration, reporting into both the CEO and our parent company’s VP of Global R&D in Germany
Qualification
Required
Master's in Organic or Polymer Chemistry
10+ years in R&D within the chemical or manufacturing industry, with a proven track record of successful product launches
5+ years of technical team leadership, including project ownership and mentoring
Strong commercial and cross-functional orientation—you speak both 'lab' and 'market'
A communicator, strategist, and builder of culture. You're not just a scientist—you're a change leader
Preferred
Ph.D. in Organic or Polymer Chemistry
Familiarity with tools like ERP, CRM, Excel, and Minitab
Curiosity around data analytics and AI in R&D
Benefits
Bonus
401k
409A
Profit sharing
PTO
Health
L&D
Company
HA International, LLC
HA International (HAI), a key subsidiary of Hüttenes-Albertus, is the leading supplier to the North American foundry industry.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Gordon McNeilage
President & CEO
Bob Wasieleski
Chief Financial Officer
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