R&D Manager - Additives

CPS, Inc.; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 160,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

All insurances available

Vacation

Summertime work hours

Pension plan

Job summary

CPS, Inc. is seeking an R&D Manager for its Heavy-Duty Engine Oil (HDEO) team in Virginia, Minnesota. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership, manage a diverse team and oversee R&D projects. Responsibilities include developing new products, ensuring safety compliance, and managing the R&D budget. Ideal candidates will have an MS/PhD in Chemistry or a related field, over 10 years of relevant experience, and proven leadership skills. A competitive salary range of $160,000 - $175,000 is offered along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• MS/PhD in relevant field such as Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry or Mechanical/Chemical Engineering.
• More than 10 years of relevant experience in chemical R&D including supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Heavy-Duty Engine Oil R&D team conducting performance testing and developing new products.
• Supervise team members, conduct appraisals, and manage training and development.
• Oversee the development of new analytical and test methods for product characterization.
• Ensure compliance with ISO documentation and safety programs.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Chemistry expertise

Technical leadership

Education

MS/PhD in Chemistry or related field

Job description

R&D Manager – Additives

If you’ve been in a leadership role and are looking for a place to call home, this is it! Extremely low turnover, fast-paced R&D environment, you’d be managing a high performing team in two locations. If you have experience managing specialty chemicals, additives, or dispersions, this could be an exciting new opportunity for you!

Job Summary

Provide technical leadership and oversight of company’s Heavy‑Duty Engine Oil (HDEO) R&D team. Implement and ensure the overall effectiveness of our global R&D strategy. Effectively plan and manage a global team, budgets, projects, and test resources to deliver stated objectives and meet the needs of the business.

Responsibilities

• This group is split between two locations - staff in one facility to direct is 2, plus 6 others at another location.
• Tasked with leading the Heavy‑Duty Engine Oil (HDEO) R&D team, a group of chemists and engineers in the development of enabling chemistry, new products, and performance testing to meet the needs of customers and OEMs consistent with our business strategy.
• Responsible for building future, in-depth, fundamental understanding in the HDEO space which we see as key technology drivers for future business. This individual will be tasked with initiating new projects and aligning current research projects with future New Product Development (NPD) projects supporting the Engine Oils Product and Technology Roadmaps.
• Supervise team member activities and progress, conduct performance appraisals, discuss training and career development needs, recruit and retain team members, and resolve problems and disciplinary issues. Consult with R&D Director and HR as appropriate.
• Liaise with company’s Technology Development Team, overseeing the development of new components (as necessary) and other joint research activities. Provide technical leadership to help team members arrive at the best solution for the business. Ensure effective use of company’s Product Development Process (APDP). Develop new analytical and test methods to characterize products and enable manufacturing capability (as necessary).
• Can translate internal and external (customer) marketing plans into actionable and efficient NPD and research plans.
• Oversee and ensure development, implementation and monitoring of a comprehensive safety program in assigned area. Areas of accountability include documentation of safety activities, monthly safety meetings, interactive safety inspections, group safety observation programs, safety training, JSA development, active reporting and corrective action programs.
• Ensure complete ISO documentation is maintained on all ISO or Quality related activities. Participate in ISO / Quality related activities and maintain an up‑to‑date understanding of the ISO / Quality function.
• Prepare reports, presentations, monthly highlights and other communications concerning results of laboratory tests or product development progress including next steps and impact on key business initiatives.
• Facilitate, coordinate, and communicate between cross‑functional groups – Business, Strategy, Marketing, Customer Technical Service (CTS), Process Development, and Senior Management on team activities.
• Facilitate, assess, and coordinate IP activities including competitor analysis, portfolio reviews and generation of IP. Ensure freedom to practice developed products & solutions.
• Represent the company in industry committees / technical societies / conferences or other meetings.
• Provide input to and manage the R&D budget. Ensure communication of all scheduling, prioritization, and resourcing decisions to key stakeholders.

Salary

$160,000 - $175,000

Benefits

All insurances available, Vacation, Summertime work hours, Pension plan, so much more!

Experience, Education & Minimums

• MS/PhD in relevant field such as Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry or Mechanical / Chemical Engineering, MBA is a PLUS
• Demonstrated effective project management and leadership skills in a chemical R&D environment typically acquired after more than 10 years of relevant experience, including supervisory experience.

Job Order: 5.12.26SK