Product Application Manager

Quaker Houghton; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Quaker Houghton is seeking a senior technical support professional to empower sales and operations with advanced troubleshooting, process optimization, and new product implementation. You will manage customer trials, deliver technical reports, and drive collaboration across customers, R&D, and operations to deliver innovative solutions.

The role requires 5+ years in a customer-facing technical capacity, a Bachelor's degree (MS/MBA preferred), and willingness to travel about half the time while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Engineering or business field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a customer-facing technical role.
• Willingness to travel ~50% to customer sites.
• Willingness to work from a home-based office.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced technical support to sales and operations teams, including troubleshooting and new product implementation.
• Manage customer trials and application projects, delivering technical reports and recommendations.
• Lead collaboration between customers, R&D, and Operations to develop and qualify new products and formulations.
• Identify customer needs and propose products aligned with portfolio strategy.

Skills

Technical support

Customer facing

Process optimization

Product implementation

Training delivery

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

MS/MBA preferred

Job description

Responsibilities:

• Provide advanced technical support to the sales and operations teams, including troubleshooting, process optimization, and new product implementation.
• Manage customer trials and application projects, ensuring timely delivery of technical reports, studies, and recommendations.
• Lead collaboration between customers, R&D, and Operations to develop and qualify new products, formulations, and process solutions that meet performance, cost, and sustainability objectives.
• Identify and define customer needs, selecting or proposing products aligned with portfolio strategy and business goals.
• Develop and deliver technical presentations, case studies, and application training for internal teams and customers.
• Drive measurable value creation by leading validated cost-in-use and process improvement initiatives for key accounts.
• Monitor and analyze competitive technologies, providing input into product strategy and innovation priorities.
• Maintain CRM accuracy for technical projects, opportunities, and feedback to support visibility and data-driven decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, including documentation standards, Code of Conduct, and safety practices.
• Actively manage an Individual Development Plan (IDP) and contribute to building internal technical capability through training and knowledge sharing.

Requirements:

Education, Experience & Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree required (MS/MBA preferred) in Chemistry, Engineering or any business area.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a customer facing and technical capacity.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 50% of the time to customer sites.
• Willingness and ability to work from a home-based office.