If you have a polymer or plastics R&D background and you are ready to lead, this Technical Manager role in Broadview, IL is worth your full attention. This is a chance to step into a department leadership seat at a specialty compounder, manage and grow a technical team, and work directly alongside senior leadership on product development and new technology initiatives.

This is a thermoplastic elastomer compounder that handles everything from formulation and testing to production and customer technical support under one roof. The facility is located in Broadview, IL and this role is fully onsite. The company is part of a larger global group, bringing international resources and infrastructure to a close-knit local team.

You will come in with a direct mentor relationship with the outgoing VP of Technology, who built this department and is staying on-site to support the transition. As the company brings a new production line over from Germany, this role is positioned to grow in scope and headcount.

Job Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire

Technical R&D Manager Job Duties

• Lead and develop the R&D team at the Broadview facility, including lab staff and technical support personnel
• Manage and execute new product development, compound modification, and formulation testing projects from concept through production scale-up
• Serve as the primary technical contact for customers, providing formulation guidance, processing recommendations, and troubleshooting support
• Ensure all products and raw materials meet applicable regulatory standards including REACH, RoHS, FDA, and Proposition 65
• Collaborate with the global R&D organization to transfer technology, share application knowledge, and align local development with international initiatives

Schedule: Day shift, Monday-Friday

Pay: Up to $150,000 annually, based on experience. Flexibility above that range for an exceptional candidate.

Technical R&D Manager Requirements

• Master's degree in Polymer Chemistry or a related discipline, or equivalent hands-on industry experience in thermoplastic compounding
• 5 or more years of experience in thermoplastic chemistries in a plastics compounding manufacturing environment
• Proven people management experience with the ability to lead, develop, and hold a technical team accountable
• Experience with ERP, CRM, and project management systems
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance standards including REACH, RoHS, and FDA requirements

Benefits

• Medical insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield (HMO, PPO, and HSA-eligible plan options)
• Dental insurance through Nippon Life at no cost to the employee
• Vision insurance through Nippon Life at no cost to the employee
• 401(k) with company match: dollar-for-dollar up to 3%, plus 50% match on the next 2% of eligible pay (eligible after 6 months)
• PTO and paid holidays

Location: Broadview, IL

If you're interested in this Technical Manager opportunity, apply now or call/text Kayla at 630-450-8588. We look forward to connecting with you!