R&D Manager - Automotive Coatings

Location: North Rhine–Westphalia, Germany

Industry: Automotive Coatings / Specialty Chemicals

Are you an experienced coatings professional ready to lead a high‑performing team within one of Germany’s most dynamic automotive regions? We’re looking for a motivated R&D Manager in Automotive Coatings who can elevate customer partnerships, drive operational excellence, and support innovation within an evolving mobility landscape.

The Opportunity

In this leadership role, you will guide a dedicated team focused on delivering advanced coating solutions to OEMs, Tier suppliers, and key partners across the automotive value chain. You’ll combine technical expertise with strong people leadership to steer projects, strengthen relationships, and ensure your team consistently delivers high‑impact results.

What You’ll Lead & Deliver

• Oversee customer projects from concept through industrialization, ensuring technical and commercial success
• Strengthen relationships with OEMs, Tier 1s, and key accounts across the NRW and wider DACH automotive ecosystem
• Support the rollout of new technologies, colour innovations, and performance coatings solutions
• Maintain strong collaboration with R&D, Application Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Sales
• Ensure project milestones, KPIs, and quality standards are met with precision
• Drive an accountable, feedback‑rich, and customer‑centric team culture
• Monitor competitive landscape and support continuous improvement initiatives
• Represent your team internally and externally at customer visits, audits, and technical reviews

What You Bring

• Experience in automotive coatings, paints, surface technologies, or specialty materials
• Proven leadership experience (formal or informal team leadership) with a collaborative and empowering style
• Strong technical understanding of coating systems, application processes, or automotive manufacturing
• Ability to communicate confidently with OEM stakeholders and cross‑functional internal teams
• A structured, analytical mindset paired with hands‑on problem‑solving
• Fluent German and English; additional languages beneficial

Why This Role Matters

NRW is one of Europe’s leading automotive hubs—this role places you at the centre of materials innovation, customer collaboration, and technological advancement. You’ll shape team performance, contribute to market success, and help define the future of automotive coatings in a fast‑moving, sustainability‑driven industry.