Executive Polymer Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary

Carlisle Companies is a leading manufacturer and supplier of premium building products and related technologies for the commercial and residential construction markets. We are committed to delivering innovative solutions that enhance building performance, improve energy efficiency, and support sustainability across the building envelope.

Carlisle is seeking a Vice President, Research & Development to provide enterprise leadership for R&D strategy, execution, and technical governance across a growing, multi-division organization. This executive will be accountable for translating market needs, customer insights, and business strategy into scalable, commercially successful product platforms.

The VP, R&D will own the end-to-end R&D operating model, including portfolio prioritization, technical standards, resource deployment, talent strategy, and stage-gate rigor, ensuring that product development efforts deliver against financial, operational, and growth objectives.

As a member of the senior leadership team, this role requires a strong balance of technical depth, executive presence, financial acumen, and execution discipline within a publicly traded environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive research and innovation strategy that aligns with CCM's overall business goals and drives competitive advantage in the market.
• Innovation Focus: Foster a culture of innovation within the organization, encouraging the development of new products, technologies, and processes that enhance our product offerings and meet customer needs.
• Product Development: Oversee the research and development of new products, particularly in the areas of EPDM, TPO, PVC, and other roofing membranes, ensuring they meet the highest standards of performance, durability, and sustainability.
• Technical Expertise: Provide expert guidance on polymer science and roofing materials, leveraging deep technical knowledge to solve complex challenges and drive product advancements.
• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including product management, marketing, sales, and manufacturing, to ensure successful commercialization of new products and technologies.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing R&D team, fostering an environment of collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement.
• Industry Engagement: Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory developments, and represent CCM in industry forums, conferences, and partnerships.
• Resource Management: Manage the R&D budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to achieve strategic priorities and maximize return on investment.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Visionary Leadership: Ability to anticipate market shifts and position Carlisle ahead of competitors.
• Execution Discipline: Strong program and portfolio management skills to drive initiatives from concept to commercialization.
• Customer Focus: Commitment to translating customer needs into innovative, high-value solutions.
• Collaboration & Influence: Ability to engage and align stakeholders across a matrixed organization; strong communication and executive presence.
• Accountability: Results-driven orientation aligned with shareholder value creation and enterprise growth.

Business Acumen: Strong financial literacy and ability to translate market insights into actionable strategies.

Education and Experience:

• Required:
  • Advanced degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related technical discipline.
  • 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in R&D, product development, or applied research within building materials, industrial manufacturing, or adjacent markets.
  • Demonstrated experience leading large, multi-disciplinary R&D organizations (50+ employees) across multiple product lines or technology platforms.

• Preferred:
  • In-depth knowledge of EPDM, TPO, PVC, and other roofing membranes, as well as polymer science and technology.

Working Conditions:

• This position primarily involves work in a standard office environment. It will be necessary to perform work in a manufacturing or lab facility and job sites typical of the construction trade.
• The role requires the ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining regular communication with teams, colleagues and stakeholders.
• The position typically operates during business hours Monday - Friday (8am - 5pm). Ability to work flexible hours to meet the schedules of various time zones and continents, in addition to weekends when required. The employee is expected to comply with all company policies, not limited to but encompassing data security and confidentiality
• Ability to travel at least 25% of the calendar year, for company events, customer research, attend industry events, or engage with strategic partners.

Physical Requirements:

OCCASIONALLY

FREQUENTLY

CONTINUOUSLY

(0-30%)

(31-60%)

(61-100%)

LIFTING OR CARRYING

1-10 LBS

X

11-20 LBS

X

21-40 LBS

X

41-50 LBS

X

51 OR MORE LBS

X

PUSHING OR PULLING:

1-40 LBS

X

41-50 LBS

X

51 OR MORE LBS

X

BENDING OR STOOPING

X

REACHING ABOVE SHOULDER LEVEL

X

DRIVING AUTOMATIC EQUIP. VEHICLES

X

OPERATE MACHINERY OR POWER TOOLS

X

CLIMBING (LADDERS, STAIRS, ETC.)

X

WALKING

X

STANDING

X

SITTING

X

WORKING IN EXTREME TEMPERATURES

X

REPETATIVE MOTION INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: WRISTS, HANDS AND/OR FINGERS)

X

VISION

X

HEARING

X

DEXTERITY

X

HAND EYE COORDINATION

X