Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protection in the building sector and industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 103 countries around the world, produces in over 400 factories, and develops innovative technologies for customers worldwide. In doing so, it plays a crucial role in enabling the transformation of the construction and transportation industries toward greater environmental compatibility. In 2024, Sika’s around 33,000 employees generated annual sales of CHF 11.76 billion.

Purpose of the role:
Lead and manage the R&D strategy, development, and execution of sealant technologies in the Japanese market with a focus on 1-component and 2-component polyurethane (PU) and modified silane (MS) systems. Align innovation with market trends, regulatory frameworks, sustainability goals, and customer needs across construction and industrial applications. This role is open to both Japanese nationals with advanced English proficiency and foreign nationals with strong Japanese skills, reflecting our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Key responsibilities:

1. Sealants Innovation Strategy & Business Alignment

• Define and lead the R&D roadmap for PU and MS-based sealants, aligned with corporate strategy and business objectives.
• Identify market-driven innovations.
• Monitor competitor technologies, raw material evolution, and formulation trends to keep Sika ahead in sealant development.
• Integrate sustainable chemistry and circular economy principles into product innovation.

2. Leadership & External Engagement

• Serve as a key contributor to the senior leadership team for product strategy and long-term innovation planning.
• Build strategic partnerships with universities, research institutes, and raw material suppliers to support technology scouting.
• Represent Sika at industry events and technical forums, specifically in the field of PU/MS sealants and construction chemistry.
• Foster inclusive collaboration across diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.

3. R&D Function Oversight

     Manage R&D team members responsible for:
       - Formulation and Performance testing of sealants.
       - Raw material evaluation, aging studies, and durability simulations.
       -Ensure strong collaboration across departments: Marketing, Technical Service, Production, Quality, 
         and Sales.

4. Project Portfolio & Pipeline Management

• Prioritize and oversee sealants R&D projects from concept to commercialization.
• Evaluate project viability, ensure milestone execution, and manage resource allocation.
• Lead technology transfer from lab to production, ensuring process scalability and product consistency.

5. Talent Development & Succession Planning

• Mentor staff; identify and develop high-potential talent within the department.
• Create a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and accountability.
• Promote cross-training and succession readiness to maintain knowledge continuity.
• Encourage participation from underrepresented groups in R&D leadership.

6. Budget & Investment Management

• Manage the department's annual budget and capital expenditures.
• Propose investments in equipment, testing tools, and digital formulation platforms that enhance R&D productivity.
• Monitor and report ROI on major R&D initiatives.

7. Regulatory Compliance & IP Management

• Ensure full compliance with global and local regulations (e.g., REACH, VOC limits, diisocyanate training requirements).
• Oversee safety data sheet (SDS) creation and regulatory documentation for new formulations.
• Manage patent filings and IP strategy for proprietary sealant technologies.

8. Customer-Centric Innovation Leadership

• Collaborate directly with key customers to develop application-specific sealants.
• Participate in on-site testing, technical presentations, and training programs.
• Collect market feedback and drive continuous product improvement.
• Value diverse customer perspectives to enhance innovation outcomes.

Qualifications

Educational Requirements:
Master’s degree or higher in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field.

Technical Skills:
- Minimum 7 years of R&D management experience, preferably in sealants, adhesives, or construction chemicals.

- Strong background in PU and MS formulation chemistry, application testing, and product industrialization.

Soft Skills:
- Visionary leadership and strategic thinking.

- Strong project and people management abilities.

- Effective communicator across cultures and technical domains.

- Conflict resolution, decision-making, and stakeholder management.

- Inclusive mindset to foster a collaborative and diverse R&D environment.

Language:
- Fluency in English and Japanese is required.

This position is open to candidates of all nationalities who meet the language and technical requirements.