Specialty Surfactants & Biocides Technical Manager (R&D)

Pilot Chemical Company; Sharonville (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilot Chemical Company is seeking a Specialty Surfactants & Biocides Technical Manager to lead the R&D program, collaborate with Business Managers and Sales, and serve as the technical voice with external customers.

The role involves managing a small team, defining project milestones, supporting new product launches, and ensuring Safety and Responsible Care compliance while driving innovation for the Specialty Surfactants and Biocides lines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Ability to translate technical concepts to technical and commercial audiences.
• Proven ability to manage and develop a science team.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for R&D programs in Specialty Surfactants and Biocides.
• Lead a team of ~3 scientists to deliver top project priorities.
• Define timelines, resources, and milestones for projects.
• Support new product launches and technical transfers to Manufacturing.
• Engage with customers as a technical expert with Sales.

Skills

Team leadership

Strong communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Safety and environmental compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry or chemical engineering

Job description

SPECIALTY SURFACTANTS & BIOCIDES TECHNICAL MANAGER

Role Summary

This position is the technical leader of the Specialty Surfactants and Biocides R&D programs. This Tech Manager will partner with the Business Manager and Sales to continue to grow Pilot’s Specialty Surfactants and Biocides businesses. This role will also be the technical voice for Pilot’s Specialty Surfactants and Biocides businesses with external customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical leadership of the Specialty Surfactants and Biocides businesses, including new product development.
  
  
  
  • Define timelines, actions, resources and milestones for completion.
  
  
  • Lead and develop a team of ~3 scientists to deliver against top project priorities.
  
  
  • Make data-based recommendations on new internally and externally developed innovations.
  
  
  • Have a mindset of continuously looking for opportunities to improve processes to increase the pace of innovation.
  
  
  
  


• Technical lead for cross-functional Specialty Surfactants and Biocides “Triangle Teams.”
  
  
  
  • Regular engagement with the Business Managers to ensure alignment.
  
  
  
  


• Support new product launches.
  
  
  
  • Lead new product setup in Pilot systems and relevant technical documentation.
  
  
  • Partner with Business Managers on documents for new product launch and raw material qualification.
  
  
  • Lead technical transfer to Manufacturing.
  
  
  
  


• Be customer focused.
  
  
  
  • Capture new innovation opportunities through Pilot’s “unmet needs” process.
  
  
  • Actively participate as a technical expert in customer calls with the sales team.
  
  
  
  


• Responsible for ensuring compliance with the Responsible Care Management System® including the establishment of policies and procedures, assigning responsibilities and tracking progress.

Required Competencies

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field and 10 years of relevant experience.


• Experience managing a dynamic portfolio of projects and ensuring milestones are achieved in a timely manner.


• Ability to communicate technical concepts to both technical and commercial audiences both inside and outside Pilot.


• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and develop a team of scientists.


• Proven concern with working in a safe and environmentally correct manner.


• Travel will be on an as-needed basis, with opportunities to participate in customer visits and trade shows.


• Communication – strong skill in communicating at all levels of the organization.


• Teamwork and Leadership – ability to lead and drive cross-functional team success.


• Human Relations – ability to interact effectively with all levels of the organization.

Preferred Competencies

• Experience with specialty surfactants used in the emulsion polymerization, metalworking, and/or oil & gas industries.

Join our growing team!