Director of Strategic R&D Initiatives

Be a part of our mission! As a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable, and efficient climate solutions for buildings, homes and transportation, it's our responsibility to put the planet first. For us at Trane Technologies, and through our businesses including Trane® and Thermo King,  sustainability is not just how we do business—it is our business.  Do you dare to look at the world's challenges and see impactful possibilities?  Do you want to contribute to making a better future?  If the answer is yes, we invite you to consider joining us in boldly challenging what's possible for a sustainable world.

Learn about our benefits designed for you to Thrive at work and at home. 

We boldly go.

Where is the work:

What's in it for you:
Trane Technologies is seeking a Director of Strategic R&D Initiatives to join our Advanced Concepts and Capabilities. This pivotal position will drive visionary strategies and operational actions to build global research and business partnerships, secure external grant funding, and support Trane Technologies’ sustainability and advanced technology goals. This leader will be empowered to cultivate aligned research and development partnerships, accelerate commercialization, and enable our continued leadership in climate innovation.

What you will do:

• Develop and execute strategies to establish and expand global research, academic, and executive-level business partnerships in advanced technologies aligned with company objectives.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with key universities, laboratories, industry partners, and thought leaders.
• Manage, develop, and mentor a high-performing interdisciplinary team, fostering enterprise wide collaboration.
• Identify, pursue, and secure collaborative research and technology demonstration opportunities supporting sustainability and new product development targets.
• Lead efforts to secure external funding—including government grants, cooperative agreements, and sponsorships—for collaborative R&D initiatives.
• Create and maintain governance structures, operational processes, and standard work leveraging best practices for partnership assessment, selection, implementation, alignment, and feedback.
• Define meaningful metrics, track progress against goals, and communicate results and program status to executive and business leadership.
• Collaborate with Trane Technologies’ Legal team to create, maintain, and negotiate Cooperation Agreements, Letters of Intent, Grant Agreements, IP protection, and NDAs.
• Represent Trane Technologies externally with professionalism and integrity to enhance company visibility and advocacy in the research community.

What you will bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or related techincal field; advanced degree strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in business development, research program management, or a related technical leadership role—preferably within HVAC, climate solutions, or advanced technology sectors.
• Demonstrated success building and managing strategic partnerships with industry partners, universities, national laboratories and start-ups.
• Experience developing operational processes and best practices for partnerships and technology commercialization.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, including mentoring and talent development.
• Excellent communication, project management and presentation abilities with experience interacting with executive stakeholders and technical audiences.

Annual Base Salary Range or Hourly Base Pay Range:

Compensation Type:

Incentive Eligible:

Sales Commission Eligible:

Disclaimer: We strive to provide competitive compensation for this position, tailored to a variety of factors. The actual compensation will depend on elements such as seniority, merit, geographic location, education, experience,  travel requirements, and union designation.   Our compensation range is generally based on the national average for the country.  Additionally, benefits may vary depending on the region, business alignment, union involvement, and employee status.

Thrive at work and at home:

• Benefits kick in on DAY ONE for you and your family, including health insurance and holistic wellness programs that include generous incentives – WE DARE TO CARE!
• Family building benefits include fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy assistance.
• Paid time off includes  up to 15 vacation days, paid holidays, sick leave, and additional options to support volunteer and parental leave. 
• 401K match up, educational and training opportunities through company programs along with tuition assistance and student debt support.    

Disclaimer:  Benefit offerings may vary by site as well as Collective Bargaining Agreements and local/state regulations

Safety Sensitive Role:

The company designates certain roles as Safety Sensitive. Safety Sensitive roles may require that you pass additional drug screening.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits and programs. We are an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, pregnancy, age, marital status, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any legally protected status.