Now hiring! Head of Technical Development & RD Spray

Houston, TX

We are looking for a Head of Technical Development and R&D – Spray to join our Performance Materials team in Houston, TX.

Relocation assistance available. Travel for this role may be up to 25% of the time.

Come create chemistry with us!

The Performance Materials division is at the forefront of the much-needed sustainability transformation in plastics. Our experts co-create products with customers to bring innovations to major industry sectors such as transportation, consumer goods, industrial applications, and construction. These solutions contribute to a sustainable future by pushing the boundaries in thermal resistance, robustness and lightweight applications.

As the Head of Technical Development and R&D – Spray, you will oversee and manage a portfolio of complex spray innovation projects for spray applications, while driving technical strategy and expertise in the polyurethane spray foam business. Your responsibilities will include, representing BASF within the industry, and collaborating across functions to develop market-driven innovations, all while ensuring technical excellence and informed strategic decision-making. This position reports directly to the Director of Technical Development and R&D.

As a Head of Technical Development & RD Spray, you create chemistry by...

• Leading the Spray Technical Team to generate innovative ideas and strategic recommendations that position the PU spray foam business as a market leader in North America, while leveraging your technical expertise and problem-solving skills to guide investment strategies and support sustained growth.

• Collaborating with key business functions regionally and globally, including Production, Supply Chain, and Sales, to develop a robust technology and innovation portfolio, while partnering with commercial and technology teams to enable strategic decisions and implement cutting-edge technologies that align with marketplace needs.

• Serving as a key spray foam expert within BASF's global technical community by driving the global innovation pipeline and sharing North American spray technical expertise for global spray R&D projects.

• Working with Marketing and Sales teams, as well as key customers, to identify technology gaps, design balanced innovation pipelines, and commercialize novel solutions that address unique customer needs.

• Leading and mentoring a team of professionals to foster their growth and development, achieving both individual and organizational objectives.

• Contributing to the PU R&D and Technical Development leadership team by supporting the development of processes, technical competencies, and talent to build a high-performing PU technical organization in North America.

• Representing BASF as a technical leader in the polyurethane spray foam industry through participation in trade shows and conferences, engagement with testing agencies, and facilitation of knowledge exchange.

If you...

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field; a Master’s degree is preferred.

• Have over 12 years of experience in technical development and R&D within the polyurethane or chemicals industry.

• Demonstrate exceptional leadership skills with a proven track record in mentoring and developing teams.

• Exhibit excellent communication and collaboration skills for effective engagement with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

• Possess proven expertise in innovation management, strategic planning, and market analysis.

Create your own chemistry with you@BASF

At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, BASF provides you with access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best. It’s what we call you@BASF . We are committed to providing benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees’ overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

Just some of the many benefits we offer include:

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible

• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options

• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members

• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)

• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages

• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive

• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.

• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens

• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!

About us

As one of the largest chemical companies in North America we have been finding solutions for your everyday needs and addressing the most complex economic, environmental, and sustainability challenges for more than 150 years!

At BASF we empower our employees with the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to advance and succeed in work and life. Giving you the support you need to be your best and fulfill your personal ambitions is what helps us create chemistry. After all, our success is linked to yours. Whatever path you envision, BASF is a great place to build a rewarding, successful career.

Belong to Something Bigger. #belongatBASF

Privacy statement

BASF takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process. If you have experienced any of the above, please contact myhr@basf.com to report fraud.

Equal employment opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.