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Global Fire Protection Portfolio R&D Technical Director

Sherwin-Williams

Global Fire Protection Portfolio R&D Technical Director

full-timePosted: Jun 12, 2026Updated: Aug 27, 2026BOLTON, LANCASHIRE, United Kingdom

Job Description

Are you an innovative R&D leader with a passion for developing industry-leading fire protection solutions? We are seeking a highly skilled technical expert to drive the development and commercialization of our intumescent coatings portfolio. In this critical global role, you will lead product innovation from concept through to market launch, ensuring products meet the highest standards of performance, compliance, and customer value. Working across R&D, marketing, regulatory, and operations teams, you will play a key role in shaping the future of fire protection technology and supporting our strategic growth ambitions. Product Development & ExecutionLead the full lifecycle of product development for intumescent coatings, ensuring timely and successful delivery from concept to commercialization.Drive executional excellence across global R&D teams, ensuring alignment with business cases and market strategies.Champion innovation and continuous improvement in product performance, application, and system integration.Regulatory Standards & Third-Party TestingServe as the technical authority on global fire protection standards (UL, EN, ASTM, ISO), ensuring all products meet or exceed regulatory and certification requirements.Develop and manage third-party testing programs, including coordination with external laboratories and certification bodies.Monitor and respond to evolving regulatory landscapes, proactively adjusting development strategies to maintain compliance.Physical Property & Compatibility TestingOversee rigorous testing of product physical properties including adhesion, durability, thermal expansion, and fire resistance.Ensure environmental and physical compatibility across substrates, surface preparation methods, primers, and topcoats.Lead system-level validation to ensure product performance in real-world applications.Strategic Collaboration & LeadershipPartner closely with the Global Fire Portfolio Marketing Director to align technical development with customer needs, market trends, and strategic priorities.Translate business cases into clear, actionable R&D plans with defined deliverables and success metrics.Provide technical leadership across cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration between R&D, marketing, regulatory, and operations.Key Stakeholder in the delivery of the Fire Center of Excellence (FCOE) Approval and Completion Advanced degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field. Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in coatings or specialty chemicals R&D, with a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance and product delivery.Deep expertise in global fire protection standards and certification processes, including successful engagement with third-party testing agencies.Preferred:Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage complex technical programs, and deliver results aligned with strategic business goals.Strong background in physical property testing and system compatibility, especially in multi-layer coating systems.Skilled in technical decision-making, risk management, and resource prioritization across global teams.Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence across technical and commercial domains. What We Can Offer You...The established salary range for this position is up to GBP 127,000 gross annual in the UK. Company bonus planPrivate medical insuranceCompany car allowanceLife Pension Scheme: Company-contributed for your future security.Flexible Working Schedule: Includes weekends and bank holidays.Sick Pay and Annual Leave: Continued salary payment during sickness and 25 days of annual leave.Work-Life Balance: We value your personal time and well-being.Career Opportunities: Grow within a truly international business.Ongoing Training and Support: Continuous learning and development opportunities. Pay transparencyThe salary range shown refers to base salary only. In addition to this, we offer a broader total reward package which may include bonus or incentive pay, relevant allowances, and a range of competitive benefits. We encourage candidates to consider the full package when evaluating an offer.Salary is determined using a structured and objective framework, taking into account the role’s responsibilities, required skills and experience, market benchmarks, and internal equity. This ensures pay decisions are fair, consistent, and aligned with our commitment to equal pay and legal compliance.The salary range shown refers to base salary only. In addition to this, we offer a broader total reward package which may include bonus or incentive pay, relevant allowances, and a range of competitive benefits. We encourage candidates to consider the full package when evaluating an offer. Salary is determined using a structured and objective framework, taking into account the role’s responsibilities, required skills and experience, market benchmarks, and internal equity. This ensures pay decisions are fair, consistent, and aligned with our commitment to equal pay and legal compliance. In accordance with EU pay transparency requirements, we provide a salary range based on our preferred country of hire. Compensation varies depending on location. The salary range applicable to the location of candidate will be shared early in the recruitment process.#LI-JR1

Locations

  • BOLTON, LANCASHIRE, United Kingdom
  • GBR Bolton Plant

Skills Required

  • coatingsintermediate
  • global fire protection standardsintermediate
  • physical property testingintermediate
  • technical decision-makingintermediate

Required Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field. (degree in chemistry)
  • Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in coatings or specialty chemicals R&D, with a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance and product delivery. (experience, 10 years)
  • Deep expertise in global fire protection standards and certification processes, including successful engagement with third-party testing agencies. (certification)
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage complex technical programs, and deliver results aligned with strategic business goals. (experience)
  • Strong background in physical property testing and system compatibility, especially in multi-layer coating systems. (experience)
  • Skilled in technical decision-making, risk management, and resource prioritization across global teams. (experience)
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence across technical and commercial domains. (experience)
  • The established salary range for this position is up to GBP 127,000 gross annual in the UK. (experience)
  • Company bonus plan (experience)
  • Private medical insurance (experience)
  • Company car allowance (experience)
  • Life Pension Scheme: Company-contributed for your future security. (experience)
  • Flexible Working Schedule: Includes weekends and bank holidays. (experience)
  • Sick Pay and Annual Leave: Continued salary payment during sickness and 25 days of annual leave. (experience)
  • Work-Life Balance: We value your personal time and well-being. (experience)
  • Career Opportunities: Grow within a truly international business. (experience)
  • Ongoing Training and Support: Continuous learning and development opportunities. (experience)

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