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Research Development Manager Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

The primary result expected from the R&D Technical Director will be to oversee an entire R&D group and manage discovery, innovation, scale up, and commercialization of existing and new cost effective ...

Research market trends, customer needs, and competitor activities to uncover new opportunities ... Manage Risk and Financial Oversight: Monitor client financial status and report changes regarding ...

The R&D Project Manager is an influential and visible part of the Materials R&D department with responsibility for providing hands-on project management experience and leadership to develop new ...

The R&D Project Manager is an influential and visible part of the Materials R&D department with responsibility for providing hands-on project management experience and leadership to develop new ...

LIHTC Development Manager

Milwaukee, WI

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

Research industry and technical issues, compile data, and present findings * General consulting to ... management, and communication skills. * Highly developed Microsoft Suite skills (Word, Excel ...

LIHTC Development Manager

Madison, WI · On-site

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

Research industry and technical issues, compile data, and present findings * General consulting to ... management, and communication skills. * Highly developed Microsoft Suite skills (Word, Excel ...

LIHTC Development Manager

Madison, WI · On-site

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

Research industry and technical issues, compile data, and present findings * General consulting to ... management, and communication skills. * Highly developed Microsoft Suite skills (Word, Excel ...

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Research Development Manager information

See Wisconsin salary details

$49K

$102.7K

$166.5K

How much do research development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development manager in Wisconsin is $102,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,200.00 and $117,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Research Development Manager vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch Development ManagerResearch Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field, along with project management experienceUsually holds a master's or Ph.D. in a specific scientific discipline
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, and coordinates research efforts within organizationsConducts experiments, analyzes data, and develops new scientific knowledge
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in R&D departments across industries like pharmaceuticals, tech, and manufacturingFound in laboratories, research institutes, and academic settings

The Research Development Manager focuses on overseeing research projects, managing teams, and aligning research goals with organizational strategies. In contrast, the Research Scientist primarily conducts experiments and generates scientific data. Both roles require advanced degrees, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What is a Research Development Manager?

A Research Development Manager is a professional responsible for supporting and enhancing research activities within an organization, typically in academic, scientific, or corporate settings. They help identify funding opportunities, facilitate collaborations, and provide strategic guidance to researchers during grant proposal development. Their role often includes managing research projects, ensuring compliance with regulations, and helping translate research ideas into successful funding applications. Research Development Managers play a critical role in advancing the organization's research agenda and maximizing funding success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Development Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Development Manager, you need strong project management, grant writing, and analytical skills, usually supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with research administration software, funding databases, and compliance systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking abilities help you build partnerships and lead cross-functional teams effectively. These skills are crucial for securing research funding, ensuring compliance, and advancing organizational research goals.

What are some common challenges faced by Research Development Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Research Development Managers often navigate challenges such as balancing multiple complex projects, securing funding, and coordinating across diverse teams. To address these, strong organizational skills and proactive communication are essential. Building robust relationships with researchers, administrators, and external partners helps streamline collaboration, while staying updated on funding opportunities can increase success rates for grant proposals. Regularly attending professional development workshops also helps managers stay current with best practices in research administration.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Research Development jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Research Development Manager jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Research Development Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Development Manager job openings in Wisconsin as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,746 per year, or $49.4 per hour.
R&D Technical Director

R&D Technical Director

Kop-Coat, Inc.

Pleasant Prairie, WI

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

The primary result expected from the R&D Technical Director will be to oversee an entire R&D group and manage discovery, innovation, scale up, and commercialization of existing and new cost effective quality technology by planning, directing, coordinating, and/or budgeting activities concerned with the design and completion of research and development projects, managing staff activities and results to quickly respond to market opportunities, and defending the corporation against competitive threats.

  • Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials having unique characteristics. 
  • Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs. 
  • Conduct research on the structures and properties of materials, such as adhesives, coatings, and polymers, to obtain information that could be used to develop new products or enhance existing ones. 
  • Prepare reports of materials study findings for the use of other research & development associates and requestors. 
  • Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular coatings. 
  • Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. 
  • Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.
  • Assign staff to projects, given shifting priorities, and determine technologies and procedures to research and present to business group.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • M.S. or equivalent science degree in Chemistry, must possess a strong knowledge of organic chemistry, or related scientific field. Preference shown to expertise in aerosols, coatings and to a lesser degree cleaners. 
  • 10 years technical experience in product development in specific area of expertise, strong understanding of manufacturing
  • 5 years of technical supervisory or management experience
  • 3 years successful working experience with marketing group
  • Expertise in coatings for consumer and industrial markets with a strong knowledge of both water borne and solvent borne chemistry.
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing, quality assurance, scale up procedures, applications, raw materials purchasing, regulatory matters and must be computer literate. 

From big benefits to small, we take care of our associates!  After 30 days of employment, you will be eligible for a benefits package that includes medical, dental, life, disability and business travel insurance, flexible spending accounts, EAP, stock purchases and vacation/sick days/parental leave. 

We also offer a 401(k) plan after three months of employment. Associates are vested in the RPM Pension plan after completing five years of service.  Rust-Oleum offers (9.5) paid holidays and two floating holidays per year.  You are also eligible to earn three weeks of vacation on an annualized basis.

Rust-Oleum is an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.