Research & Development Director, Filtration & Life Sciences

The Company

Imerys is the world’s leading supplier of mineral-based specialty solutions for the industry with €3.6 billion in revenue and 12,400 employees in 40 countries in 2024. The Group offers high value-added and functional solutions to a wide range of industries and fast-growing markets such as solutions for the energy transition and sustainable construction, as well as natural solutions for consumer goods. Imerys draws on its understanding of applications, technological knowledge, and expertise in material science to deliver solutions which contribute essential properties to customers’ products and their performance. As part of its commitment to responsible development, Imerys promotes environmentally friendly products and processes in addition to supporting its customers in their decarbonization efforts.

Imerys is listed on Euronext Paris (France) with the ticker symbol NK.PA.

The Position

Research & Development Director, Filtration & Life Sciences

Job Summary

Are you passionate about driving sustainable solutions in the Filtration and Life Sciences industry? Imerys Performance Minerals Americas has an exciting opportunity for an experienced R&D Manager to lead a team of scientists in developing and commercializing innovative mineral-based solutions for the North American Filtration & Life Sciences markets.

In this role, you will lead a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers to develop and industrialize next-generation mineral-based products for filtration (industrial, food, pharma, energy) and life sciences (sustainable agriculture, animal welfare, pharmaceuticals). You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, customers, and external partners to create new products that promote long-term organic growth. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding role that allows you to make a difference, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. Apply now and take the first step towards shaping the future of the industry!
 

As the R&D leader, you will be responsible for:

• Strategic Innovation & Pipeline Management: Work closely with commercial development teams to develop and implement a multi-year R&D roadmap for mineral applications in high-growth areas.

• End-to-End Product Development: Oversee the full lifecycle of new products, from lab-scale experimentation and pilot manufacturing runs to successful industrialization.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Manage a team of scientists, engineers, and lab technicians; foster a culture of scientific excellence, accountability, and continuous professional development. Encourage the use of AI tools (LLMs, predictive models) for product development.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Commercial teams to ensure products meet customer requirements, cost targets, and production feasibility.

• Regulatory & Quality Excellence: Ensure all research and products comply with global standards, including GMP for life sciences, EPA/USDA for agriculture, and ISO 9001/13485 for industrial applications.

• Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy: Identify patentable technologies and collaborate with legal counsel to secure and defend the company’s IP portfolio.

Required Skills

• Expertise in product and process development, with a proven track record of delivering successful outcomes from initial opportunity analysis all the way through to commercialization. 

• Demonstrated leadership experience in R&D, with a focus on developing high-performing teams.

• Deep understanding of science and technology as a competitive differentiator and a talent for using this knowledge to drive a new product pipeline. 

• Strong business acumen, with an understanding of the financial implications of new products and processes. 

• Exceptional interpersonal and team-building skills, backed by strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Knowledge of Filtration and/or Life Sciences markets and technologies a plus. 

• Approximately 20% travel.