R&D  |  Engineering  |  Quality

PRODUCT R&D MANAGER – MILLATHANES

CLEARWATER, FL – NEAR TAMPA

 

OVERVIEW

 

Initiate/oversee major R&D programs across the PUE Division, exercising technical leadership to coordinate multiple interrelated projects within the constraints of limited resources and changing priorities.

Report directly to the VP of SALES.  Support all functional managers within PUE division.

 

IDEAL EXPERIENCE FOR THIS ROLE:

• Ph.D. Organic Chemistry

• 10-15 years’ experience in Polyurethane product development (ideally thermoset, but could be thermoplastic, the building blocks and chemistry are the same).  This is important, this is what the Company set up for.  This could branch off into TPUs or coatings for example

• Additional experience developing polymers for the rubber industry would be of value, but not required (for example, HNBR synthesis, or silicones).  Rubber experience without PU experience is less desirable

• Experience with new product scale-up and commercialization

• Proven technical management and leadership experience

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

 

MILLATHANE AND THANECURE SUPPORT

· Study/understand existing Millathane® and Thanecure® chemistries, process technologies and analytical methods.  Develop a basic understanding of how these products function and are used by our global customer base. 

· Identify alternate process technologies to improve product quality, performance and cost efficiency. 

· Understand the technical competitiveness of Company’s Millathane® and Thanecure® product lines.  Provide R&D efforts to enhance existing grades and address product deficiencies where feasible.

· Identify/explore opportunities for developing new Millathane and Thanecure grades, or complimentary products or technologies. 

· Apply R&D efforts towards identifying possible new applications for Thanecure T9 TDI dimer.

· Assist sales by interacting with customers during the introduction of new or experimental grades. 

· Establish/solidify Company’s reputation as an industry leader in millable polyurethane and TDI dimer technologies. 

 

DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PRODUCT LINES

· Use technical expertise to develop new, innovative ideas for products that are aligned with Company’s capabilities and business objectives, and fill market needs.

· Conduct technical research and interact with Sales, Customers and Suppliers as needed, to identify opportunities for new products and product lines that would help drive revenue and growth, including opportunities for business acquisitions.

· Develop/lead strategic R&D initiatives to drive revenue and growth. 

· Actively explore opportunities for government funding of R&D projects, where feasible.

· Develop a curated pipeline of new products, with short-term and long-term time horizons

· Assist with transition of new products from lab phase, all the way to plant trials.

 

GENERAL

· Recommend resource allocation to accomplish projects according to plans. Consistently communicate progress and propose appropriate changes in timeline, objective, or direction.

· Be able/willing to wear multiple hats as needed, from basic R&D research, to product development, to process development and troubleshooting.

· Collaborate closely with Purchasing for the procurement of raw materials required for all R&D projects. 

· Manage PUE technical staff as assigned. Coach, mentor the next generation of Company chemists and engineers. Expand Company’s research capabilities to stimulate further growth and innovation.

· Maintain divisional R&D procedures and report on performance. 

· Develop test capabilities to support R&D and production test requirements

· Represent Company’s Industries Technology at Global Industry associations and events. Author papers, issues patents, engage with technical communities to stimulate interest in Company’s products

· Approve Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for new chemical raw materials.

· Utilize strong, professional communication (oral and written), organizational, and leadership skills.

· Utilize strategic thinking, and innovative thinking/problem-solving methods.

· Set goals and provide positive and constructive feedback, in a respectful manner, to build positive relationships and improve business results. 

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry/other relevant technical discipline

• 10-15 years of success within a polyurethane manufacturing environment involving new product development, expanding product lines/applications, streamlining processes, leading strategic projects, securing government funding for R&D projects, containing costs, overseeing suppliers, interfacing directly with Customers and collaborating with all Departments internally.

• Highly effective communication skills, ability to interface well with internal/external stakeholders.

• Experience representing Company at industry associations and trade shows.

• Experience performing as an integral player developing next generation products.

• Experience leading technical teams.

 

Company is offering a competitive base salary, lucrative bonus structure, opportunity for internal growth, excellent benefits, and relocation assistance!