Department Manager

Role Summary

The R&D Department Manager (NA Paints) is responsible for developing new products to grow the Nouryon business in the North American paint market.  He/she will work closely with regional marketing to develop a strong pipeline of project ideas which can expand our market position.

Required

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree plus Master’s degree or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Engineering-related discipline

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in an R&D management role for products selling into the Paints & Coatings industry.  Overall 15-20 years’ experience in R&D preferred.
• Candidates who have experience working for a decorative paint manufacturer are also encouraged to apply
• Strong knowledge of the NA decorative paint market with an established network of contacts with potential customers, trade organizations, and other industry stakeholders

Required Skills:

• Results-driven and self-starter. Ability to work independently without on-site management.
• Strong project management skills (e.g., communication and coordination) and proven track record of team building and leadership skills.
• Experience in building and leading a team of R&D scientists and researchers. Must have the ability to blend an understanding of the scientific/ engineering discipline with the management of mid-level researchers and scientists as well as interface with more senior scientist levels.  Builds, supervises and provides technical leadership to a team of scientists/researchers and is responsible for the recruitment, training, performance management and motivation of this team.
• Extensive experience in working with internal and external customers in product development or problem-solving issues.
• Strong skills in process-based approach (e.g., Stage-gate management process)
• Successful track record in driving commercial success with a hands-on approach to product documentation (incl. launch and introduction phase).
• Strength in the interactions and relationship building with other functions (PSRA, Sales and Manufacturing).
• Understand corporate laws governing technology including regulatory, patent, trademark and anti-competition activities.
• May represent the organization in forums and conferences within an area of expertise.
• Industry R&D expert reputation in the paints and coatings industry.
• Lead by Example and demonstrates consistency and integrity
• Demonstrate Integrity: Embrace the company and business vision and values, and ensure that we conduct ourselves in a manner that complies with all policies
• Fluency in English

Duties and Responsibilities

• Build and lead a team of R&D researchers and scientists.
• Represent P&C both inside and outside Nouryon in R&D matters.
• Organize R&D activities together/in close cooperation with Marketing and Sales Team. It includes responsibility for R&D, development, and management of projects in the innovation process, as well as leading the project portfolio management process for the Americas.
• He/she will work closely with strategic marketing and regional marketing to understand customer needs and to develop a strong pipeline of project ideas which can expand our market position.
• Coordinate the project development by ensuring alignment of the Stage-Gate process with market inputs and business strategy.  Provide Stage-Gate projects with outward focused inputs. Maintain active product profiles aligned with current market inputs.
• Participate in project teams, guide new product development and/or modifications of a product recipe or product line to achieve the goals set by Sales/Marketing.
• Work with the Marketing manager to ensure seamless product launch of new products, Drive product launch planning and provide guidance to the cross- functional product launch team to provide all required preparation and launch activities.

Physical Demands of the Position – For US only operational positions

Bending: Less than 25%

Lifting: Less than 25%

Standing: Less than 25%

Walking: Less than 25%

Walking stairs: Less than 25%