Sr, Product Development Leader

Position Overview:The Senior Product Development Manager will lead the formulation and innovationactivities for Wikoff Color’s inks and coatings portfolio at the Alpharetta TechnicalCenter. This individual will oversee a multidisciplinary team of formulationchemists/scientists specializing in Energy-Curable, waterborne, and solvent bornetechnologies, as well as color matching and customer support.The ideal candidate will bring strong technical depth in inks, coatings, or related polymerchemistry, proven people-leadership skills, and the ability to translate customer andmarket needs into commercially viable, sustainable solutions. This role is highlycollaborative, interfacing with Sales, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Marketing todrive product innovation, technical excellence, and business growth.Minimum Education, Experience, and Technical Knowledge Required:• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, PolymerScience, or a related technical discipline.• 5+ years of progressive experience in the inks, coatings, or specialty chemicalsindustry.• Demonstrated expertise in formulating solventborne, waterborne, or energy-curablesystems.• Prior experience supervising or leading technical teams in a laboratory environment.• Strong understanding of color science, pigment dispersion, and color matchingtechniques.• Proven track record of product development from concept to commercializationKey Responsibilities:• Provide technical and strategic leadership for product development projects acrossenergy-curable, waterborne, and solventborne platforms.• Manage and mentor a team of formulation chemists and color specialists; set clearpriorities, goals, and development plans for each team member.• Drive new product innovation aligned with Wikoff’s strategic objectives and customerneeds.• Evaluate new raw materials, technologies, and suppliers to enhance productperformance, cost efficiency, or sustainability.• Partner with Sales and Marketing to identify market gaps and translate them intoactionable R&D programs.• Guide formulation optimization and scale-up efforts in collaboration withManufacturing and Quality.• Ensure timely project execution, accurate documentation, and communication oftechnical results.• Oversee color matching and color control standards for customer-specificformulations.• Maintain an active role in troubleshooting customer issues and providing technicalexpertise for complex applications.• Foster collaboration with other Wikoff R&D centers to share best practices,standardize procedures, and coordinate global development efforts.• Uphold and continuously improve laboratory safety, compliance, and organizationstandardsPreferred Skills and Strengths:• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving, decision-making, and projectmanagement skills.• Excellent leadership and mentoring capabilities.• Strong interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Operations,and Marketing.• Familiarity with regulatory and sustainability requirements affecting inks andcoatings.• Ability to communicate technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.• Proficiency in laboratory data management and documentation systems.• Demonstrated commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.Work Environment:• Full-time, onsite position at Wikoff Color’s Alpharetta, GA Technical Center.• Primarily laboratory and office-based, with occasional travel to customer sites,suppliers, or other Wikoff facilities.