The purpose of the position is to provide technical leadership and leverage resources to enhance processing capabilities and direct/develop company’s Process Innovation teams. The Director is responsible for the pursuit and evaluation of novel process technologies company-wide along with the development of plans to deploy technology-based solutions from bench scale to commercial scale. The Director will work with R&D management to develop the technical strategy for the Process Innovation group. The Director needs to collaborate with the R&D and Manufacturing Technology Directors to set priorities for the projects in the group's portfolio.
DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES
Ø Lead Process Innovation group, develop organization, recruit, hire and develop scientists and engineers. Maintain succession plan.
Ø Identify and prioritize continuous improvement innovation opportunities for our plants. Maintain full pipeline of projects.
Ø Support new product development programs for rubber and specialty carbon black businesses.
Ø Support new materials innovation beyond carbon black (e.g., Continua, energy systems, carbon nanotubes which often requires new method development and new and different characterization capabilities).
Ø Support overall R&D efforts.
Ø Propose, evaluate, and implement revolutionary process technologies based on continuous monitoring of industry trends, competitive development, and fundamental scientific concepts.
QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS
v Degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field.
v (PhD or MS with 10 years of industry experience or BS with 15 years of industry experience)
v Minimum of 5 years of experience in management of technology, technical service, laboratories, new product development, and managing a wide range of technical experience ranging from PhD to BSc to Associates levels.
v Strong leadership skills and strategic problem-solving ability; ability to predict issues and identify solutions.
v Ability to lead successfully within extended, global multinational project teams and handle multiple challenges under pressure.
v Proven record of successful implementation of technology at commercial scale.
v Ability to travel internationally up to 20%.