R&D Group Leader

We are seeking an experienced R&D Team Leader to join our Bolton site and lead innovation within our Fire Protection Coatings portfolio. You will manage a team of technical experts and drive product development and optimization, ensuring alignment with business, customer, and regulatory requirements.

The role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders, including customers and certification bodies.

Product & Technology Development

• Drive innovation and optimisation of fire protection coatings, including formulation improvements
• Plan and execute R&D projects in line with timelines, quality, and certification standards

• Analyse results and provide clear recommendations to progress projects

  
  

Operational & Technical Support

• Provide technical expertise to internal teams and customers
• Support testing, certification, and represent the company externally
• Lead investigations into product performance and maintain lab capabilities

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing R&D team
• Set clear goals, manage performance, and foster a collaborative culture

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with H&S, quality, and laboratory standards
• Promote technical excellence and professional conduct

Continuous Improvement & Collaboration

• Support process improvements and cross-functional initiatives
• Share knowledge and contribute to innovation across the organisation

• BSc in Chemistry (or equivalent higher education qualification)
• Experience leading technical teams or managing R&D projects
• Proven track record of delivering commercially relevant results
• At least 5 years experience in coatings industry  
• Experience in Passive Fire Protection (advantageous)
• Ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Flexibility and willingness to engage in occasional travel globally as required.

Why Join Us?

At Sherwin-Williams, you’ll be part of a global leader in coatings innovation, working on cutting-edge fire protection technologies that make a real impact on safety and performance worldwide.

#LI-EK2

At Sherwin-Williams, our purpose is to inspire and improve the world by coloring and protecting what matters. Our paints, coatings and innovative solutions make the places and spaces in our world brighter and stronger. Your skills, talent and passion make it possible to live this purpose, and for customers and our business to achieve great results. Sherwin-Williams is a place that takes its stability, growth and momentum and translates it to possibility for our people. Our people are behind the strength of our success, and we invest and support you in:

Life … with rewards, benefits and the flexibility to enhance your health and well-being
Career … with opportunities to learn, develop new skills and grow your contribution
Connection … with an inclusive team and commitment to our own and broader communities
It's all here for you... let's Create Your Possible

Eligibility to Work
You will need to provide proof of right to work. It is a condition of any offer of employment we make to you that you have the permission to work in the country for the role for which you are applying for.

Equal Opportunity Employer
An equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, colour, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic or national origin, disability, age pregnancy or maternity, marital or civil partner status, or any other protected characteristic prohibited by law.

Please be aware, Sherwin-Williams recruiting team members will never request a candidate to provide a payment, ask for financial information, or sensitive personal information like national identification numbers, date of birth, or bank account numbers during the application process.