The R&D Manager is located in Cary, NC and reports to the Global R&D Director. Direct reports are approximately 15 people including advanced degree chemists, technical service engineers, and a technician leader.
JOB DIMENSIONS
Responsible for North American Coatings R&D and Technical Service Team. Leads a team of approximately 15 R&D chemists, application engineers, and technicians to commercialize new products as decided by jointly with marketing and other partners in R&D. Accountable for project timelines and all associated work product such as project documentation, intellectual property filings, and other publications. Accountable for planning team and individual goals and reporting progress against goals including R&D metrics as appropriate. Also responsible for application development and customer technical service for coatings related projects. One manager direct report accountable for this activity.
KEY ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
R&D manager for coatings team:
- Performance and talent management of team
- Develop and meet annual budgets
- Promote and manage synergistic activities with other technical/business communities (within Arkema) for opportunity identification and/or enhancement of project progress.
- Develop team to promote growth opportunities and ensure technical competencies are aligned with business needs
- Direct effective execution of development projects via: assignment of resources, leveraging outside resources, making available the required equipment and supplies, and periodic reviews with project teams.
- Communicate to management: Progress on development projects, R&D expense versus budget reconciliations, significant technical or market findings which may offer new business opportunities.
- Participate in department safety programs
In conjunction with marketing partners, oversee portfolio of R&D programs related to decorative and industrial coatings technologies:
- Ensure that product development programs are properly organized for efficient use of resources
- Adaptation of new product strategies and offerings across regions to maximize commercial success in each region.
- Assist with global communication, coordination, and cooperation of the ACR LR technical and innovation programs.
- Develop strategies to secure and protect intellectual property of key technologies and establish confidentiality agreements and JDAs with customers
- Propose R&D projects to the ACR business groups to ensure the NA development portfolio is balanced to deliver financial results both in the short term and the long term
Work with sales and marketing to develop customer technical service strategy and set account plans:
- Work with customers to identify unmet needs and translate these into new product opportunities. Promote Arkema R&D to current and potential customers
- Propose new business development initiatives which leverage our technical resources and capabilities
- Foster customer relationships at multiple levels within their organizations
- Follow-up on quality complaints and provide solutions
Contribute to Global Coatings market and technology strategy:
- Monitor and provide interpretation of industry technical trends
- Develop product road maps and multi-generation plans to support growth objectives
- Work with marketing to develop literature and promotion materials
- Develop annual plans for external presentation schedule on new technology advancements
CONTEXT AND ENVIRONMENT
- 25% travel
- Supports the site HES policy and complies with all regulatory and internal requirements
- Supports and promotes the reporting of all health, safety, environmental, near-miss, accident or injury incidents
- Close collaboration with the North American business leadership on strategy, tactics, and coordination of R&D programs.
- Close collaboration with global partners in R&D labs located around the world
REQUIRED EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS /WORK EXPERIENCE
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials/Polymers Science or Engineering
- Minimum 20 years total experience in the chemical or polymers industry,
- Minimum 5 years demonstrated technical and managerial excellence delivering significant commercial impact, leadership, motivational, and communication skills.
- Ideal candidate should have some background in polymer science, emulsion technology, coatings or closely related applications. Some formulation expertise preferred.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
• Job holder must be versed in business strategy development, intellectual property strategy development, and have good all-around business acumen to establish partnerships with the business counterparts and key customers
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to resolve issues in a collaborative manner
• Acknowledged leadership skills with the ability to successfully interact with and influence other functions
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