R&D Senior Project Leader

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. Approximately 33,000 employees generated CHF 11.20 billion in sales in 2025.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Project Leader to join our UK Research & Development team. This role plays a key part in leading and delivering complex, high‑impact R&D projects across the business, spanning product development, product maintenance, and innovation activities.

You will take ownership of projects from concept through to implementation, ensuring disciplined execution in line with our Product Creation Process (PCP), while upholding the highest standards of safety, quality, and technical integrity.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong and structured project leader who enjoys working cross‑functionally and driving robust outcomes in an industrial R&D environment.

Key responsibilities

Lead and deliver cross‑functional R&D projects from concept to implementation, owning scope, objectives, timelines, risks, and deliverables

Execute projects in line with structured product development processes (e.g. PCP / stage‑gate)

Coordinate and align inputs from R&D, Operations, Quality, Marketing, and Supply Chain

Act as the technical project lead within assigned technology areas, defining experimental strategy and reviewing data quality and conclusions

Provide day‑to‑day coordination, technical guidance, and mentorship within project teams (without direct line management responsibility)

Ensure full compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements across all project activities

Support product maintenance, troubleshooting, and root‑cause investigations linked to projects

Contribute to innovation and continuous improvement initiatives, including feasibility studies and proof‑of‑concept work

Interface with external partners such as universities, suppliers, and global R&D colleagues when required

What success looks like

Projects delivered on time, to the agreed scope, cost, and quality

High levels of compliance in PCP audits and project documentation

Effective resolution of complex technical challenges

Strong safety performance with minimal audit findings

Positive feedback from project stakeholders and team members

Tangible contributions to innovation pipelines, new products, or intellectual property

About you

You are a structured and delivery‑focused professional with a strong technical background and proven experience leading complex R&D projects in an industrial setting.

Degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, or a related discipline

Strong experience in industrial R&D within a relevant technology area

Proven track record of leading complex technical or development projects

Sound knowledge of structured product development processes (e.g. PCP, stage‑gate)

Key competencies:

Disciplined, well‑organised, and delivery‑oriented mindset

Strong project management and organisational skills

Clear and confident communicator across technical and non‑technical audiences

High standards of integrity, safety, and quality

Proactive and solutions‑oriented, with the confidence to challenge constructively

Eligibility

This role is open to candidates who are eligible to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.

We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based skills relevant to the position, education and/or training.  We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.