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.
At Sherwin-Williams, our purpose is to inspire and improve the world by coloring and protecting what matters. Our paints, coatings and innovative solutions make the places and spaces in our world brighter and stronger. Your skills, talent and passion make it possible to live this purpose, and for customers and our business to achieve great results. Sherwin-Williams is a place that takes its stability, growth and momentum and translates it to possibility for our people. Our people are behind the strength of our success, and we invest and support you in:
Life … with rewards, benefits and the flexibility to enhance your health and well-being
Career … with opportunities to learn, develop new skills and grow your contribution
Connection … with an inclusive team and commitment to our own and broader communities
It's all here for you... let's Create Your Possible
Eligibility to Work
You will need to provide proof of right to work. It is a condition of any offer of employment we make to you that you have the permission to work in the country for the role for which you are applying for.
Equal Opportunity Employer
An equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, colour, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic or national origin, disability, age pregnancy or maternity, marital or civil partner status, or any other protected characteristic prohibited by law.
Please be aware, Sherwin-Williams recruiting team members will never request a candidate to provide a payment, ask for financial information, or sensitive personal information like national identification numbers, date of birth, or bank account numbers during the application process.
Product Development & Execution
Lead 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 Testing
Serve 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 Testing
Oversee 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 & Leadership
Partner 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
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Advanced degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
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Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in coatings or specialty chemicals R&D, with a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance and product delivery.
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Deep expertise in global fire protection standards and certification processes, including successful engagement with third-party testing agencies.
Preferred:
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Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage complex technical programs, and deliver results aligned with strategic business goals.
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Strong background in physical property testing and system compatibility, especially in multi-layer coating systems.
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Skilled in technical decision-making, risk management, and resource prioritization across global teams.
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Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence across technical and commercial domains.
What We Can Offer You...
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The established salary range for this position is up to GBP 127,000 gross annual in the UK.
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Company bonus plan
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Private medical insurance
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Company car allowance
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Life Pension Scheme: Company-contributed for your future security.
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Flexible Working Schedule: Includes weekends and bank holidays.
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Sick Pay and Annual Leave: Continued salary payment during sickness and 25 days of annual leave.
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Work-Life Balance: We value your personal time and well-being.
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Career Opportunities: Grow within a truly international business.
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Ongoing Training and Support: Continuous learning and development opportunities.
Pay transparency
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.
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.
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