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R&D Manager, Group Testing

Role overview

Qualifications

  • Strong technical background in coating/testing with expertise in spraying, steel preparation, and familiarity with international test standards (e.g., Norsok, ISO 12944).
  • Proven leadership experience managing diverse teams and developing competencies, with a track record of safety adherence.
  • Excellent English communication and stakeholder management skills, capable of collaborating across functions and with external partners.
  • University degree in Chemistry, Engineering, or a related technical field, or 5+ years of proven experience in a chemical-related industry.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and develop a team of 11 test specialists and applicators, overseeing application and performance testing of paint and coordinating with product managers, SMEs, formulators and external test facilities.
  • Drive standardisation and quality/process improvements across the work request process, ensuring high quality outputs and strict adherence to safety procedures.
  • Build efficient cross-functional relationships (Internal Services, HSE, Sales, Product Management, external laboratories, and RD SMEs) to maximise value.
  • Contribute to the RD Technical Operations team's global direction, promoting continuous improvement, alignment and best practices in testing operations.

About the company

Hempel A/S logo

Hempel A/S

Chemical Manufacturing

As a world-leading supplier of trusted coating solutions, Hempel is a global company with strong values, working with customers in the decorative, marine, infrastructure and energy industries. Hempel factories, R&D centres and stock points are established in every region. Hempel’s paints and coatings protect and beautify buildings, infrastructure and other assets, and play an essential role in our customers’ businesses. They help minimise maintenance costs, improve aesthetics and increase energy efficiency. At Hempel, our purpose is to shape a brighter future with sustainable coating solutions. We firmly believe that we will succeed as a business only if we place sustainability at our heart. Not only is it the right thing to do, it will strengthen our competitive position, make ourselves more resilient and reduce our risk. Hempel was founded in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1915. It is proudly owned by the Hempel Foundation, which ensures a solid economic base for the Hempel Group and supports cultural, social, humanitarian and scientific purposes around the world.

Company details

Company typeLarge
IndustryChemical Manufacturing
Company size5001 - 10000

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Job description

Can you help us shape a long-term vision for success and positive impact? This is your opportunity to lead a team of highly skilled test specialists and applicators, enhancing even further the testing capabilities that support our upcoming products and their certifications, helping us to deliver on our ambitious Double Impact strategy.

Do You Dream of Working in a Culture of Inclusion, Transparency, and Support?

As our new R&D Manager at Hempel, you will lead and develop a well-established team of 11 tests specialists and applicators. The team is responsible for application and performance testing of paint, which involves a regular interaction with product managers, subject matter experts, formulators and external test facilities. The work done by the team is key to take our market leadership ambition to the next level, supporting the launching of our new products and certifications.

This role will give you the unique opportunity to cooperate with colleagues from different functions all over the world, ensuring best practices are applied in all the steps of our work request process, from application to testing.

Can you lead our R&D team with a true global impact?

  • Ensure high quality in all the steps of our work request process, driving further standardisation and quality/process improvements in the group.

  • Drive a data driven organisation by ensuring the creation of comprehensive documentation.

  • Lead and develop team competences while ensuring strict adherence to safety procedures at all times.

  • Build efficient working relationships with key functions to generate the maximum value: Internal Services, HSE, Sales, Product management, external laboratories, as well as internally in R&D (Subject Matter Experts, formulators, local test departments).

You will be part of the R&D Technical Operations team, which aims at deliver high quality and efficient support globally. We have a big focus on alignment and standardisation of procedures, and a continuous improvement approach, so we openly listen to our internal customers. You will have an important impact on setting the direction of the group moving forward.

This role is based in Hempel’s headquarters in the Greater Copenhagen area.

What does it take to become our new R&D manager, Global Test?

As our ideal candidate you yield a strong technical background, with knowledge and experience in spraying, steel preparation and international test standards (Norsok, ISO 12944, etc).

  • You possess strong leadership skills and have a few years of experience leading diverse teams.

  • You are good at communicating in English at all sort of levels, and have excellent stakeholder management skills.

  • You have developed skills in prioritizing, planning and following up, delivering quality results on time.

  • You are customer oriented, enjoy being a part of a team and have a continuous improvement mindset.

  • You have a university degree in technical studies such as Chemistry, Engineering or another relevant field, or 5 years of proven experience in a Chemical related industry.

Sounds like a match?

Welcome to apply! Click the ‘Apply for position’ button in the top-right corner and submit your application letter with a CV in English via our recruitment system.

Application due

2025-04-22

Seniority Level

Job Functions

Industry

Chemicals

At Hempel, you’re welcomed to a global community of +7000 colleagues around the world. A workplace built on shared trust, mutual respect and support for each other. 

We’re on a mission to double our impact. To succeed, we need bright minds and team players. Which is why, from day one, your input, ideas and initiative are not only welcomed, but expected. In return, you will enjoy great opportunities for development in a growing global company – and be part of the solution by contributing to our global impact. 

At Hempel, we are committed to everyone feeling safe, valued and treated equally, in an environment where each employee can bring their authentic selves to work.  We believe that inclusion is key to innovation and by bringing together the most diverse perspectives and talents,  we can achieve great things, together.

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MR

Marcus Rivera

Chief Revenue Officer

m.rivera@company.com
linkedin.com/in/marcusrivera
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