Vice President of Research & Development

Job Description

Job Description

Lead Innovation. Build the Future. Make a Lasting Impact.

At Restek , we believe science should make the world healthier, safer, and better. For more than 40 years, we’ve built a trusted, employee-owned company known for technical excellence, customer partnership, and a people-first culture.

Now, at a pivotal moment in our growth, we’re seeking a Vice President of Research & Development to help shape Restek’s future.

This is not a traditional R&D leadership role. It’s an opportunity to serve as an enterprise leader , influence company strategy, and build the innovation engine, talent, and culture that will carry Restek forward.

The Role

As Vice President of Research & Development, you will be a key member of Restek’s Leadership Team , contributing to enterprise strategy, organizational design, and long-term growth. While leading R&D, your influence will extend across the business—partnering with customers and cross-functional teams to deliver differentiated, high-impact scientific solutions.

You’ll help design and scale the systems, teams, and capabilities needed to translate customer insight and scientific expertise into best-in-class products—while reinforcing a culture where people thrive and success is shared.

What You’ll Do

Lead at the Enterprise Level

• Contribute to company-wide strategy, priorities, and decision-making
• Collaborate with senior leaders in a culture of shared ownership and thoughtful debate
• Help guide Restek through its next phase of growth and relevance

Drive Customer-Focused Innovation

• Define and lead a market- and customer-driven R&D and innovation strategy
• Partner with Product Management, Operations, Marketing, Sales, and customers to deliver differentiated solutions
• Ensure excellence in product quality, performance, cost, and time-to-market

Build for the Future

• Design the organizational structure, talent, and resources needed to scale
• Lead change with clarity, empathy, and accountability
• Balance creativity with execution and innovation with operational discipline

Develop People and Culture

• Coach and develop leaders and high-performing teams
• Foster an engaged, inclusive, and high-trust environment
• Reinforce a culture of continuous improvement and employee ownership

Represent Restek Externally

• Build strong relationships with customers, partners, and industry organizations
• Serve as a credible scientific and business leader in global markets

What We’re Looking For

• An enterprise-minded leader who thinks beyond functional boundaries
• A collaborative innovator who partners effectively with customers and cross-functional teams
• A builder who can design organizations, develop talent, and lead change
• A people-centered leader committed to coaching and engagement
• Global perspective with experience supporting diverse markets
• Strong scientific foundation , with chromatography expertise highly valued

Why Join Restek

• Purpose-driven impact: Our products help protect health, safety, and the environment
• Employee-owned culture: People-focused, values-driven, and collaborative
• Shared success: Employee-owners share in the financial rewards of our collective achievements
• Leadership with heart: A team committed to growth, trust, and winning together

A Final Word

This role is for a leader who wants more than a title.
It’s for someone who wants to help build a truly distinctive company—where science matters, people matter, and success is shared .

If this excites you, we’d love to talk.