R&D Team Lead / Manager, Automotive Adhesives

About the role

Sika, a specialty chemicals company active in the building and automotive sectors, is hiring an R&D Team Lead/Manager in Gunsan. The role leads the development, optimisation and quality management of mainly automotive adhesives (such as PUD adhesives and coatings) and some construction products, ensuring they meet customer requirements, industry standards and regulatory compliance. It works closely with Sales, Production, Supply Chain and customers.

Key responsibilities

• Develop automotive adhesives and industrial/construction products, optimise formulations and costs, and run laboratory experiments, DOE studies and product validation plans.
• Evaluate raw materials, identify alternative suppliers and support customer projects through technical discussions, sample preparation and troubleshooting.
• Maintain technical documentation and monitor industry trends and competitor technologies.
• Set up quality control systems, investigate complaints with root cause analysis (8D, Fishbone, 5 Why) and implement CAPA; support ISO quality systems and audits.
• Support manufacturing with troubleshooting, process optimisation, scale-up, process validation and technology transfer.
• Deliver technical presentations and training, support customer qualification and field trials, and work with Sales and Marketing on market opportunities.
• Lead and coach the R&D and QC team, manage resources, and foster a culture of innovation, quality, safety and EHS compliance.

Required profile

• Master's or doctoral degree in Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in adhesive product development, preferably automotive or industrial adhesives.
• At least 3 years of people management experience in R&D or Quality.
• Automotive, textile lamination, packaging or industrial adhesive experience preferred.
• Fluent in English; strong EHS awareness and commitment to safety.

Required skills

• Polyurethane dispersion (PUD) technology, polymer chemistry and formulation development.
• Knowledge of DOE, SPC and quality tools; familiarity with ISO 9001, IATF 16949 and EHS is an advantage.
• Technical leadership, project management, cross-functional collaboration and excellent communication.