Technical Manager, NA

IPS Corporation; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

IPS Corporation in Durham, NC is seeking a Technical Manager for North America to lead the local technical team, manage the project portfolio, and ensure compliance with EHS, quality and ISO standards.

You will provide technical guidance, collaborate with commercial and marketing teams, report progress to leadership, and champion Kaizen improvements across facilities.

Qualifications

• Eight years or more experience working with adhesives, coatings, polymers, plastics, formulation development, or related fields.
• Proven experience in technical management.
• Strong IT skills including MS Office packages.
• Ability to manage and balance workload to meet project targets.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the local technical team and day to day activities within NPD and QC, providing mentorship and training.
• Lead and manage the regional project portfolio, coordinating resources globally with other regional technical leaders.
• Maintain and update EHS risk assessments, COSHH and SOPs for laboratory environments.
• Maintain and develop NPD and QC systems and procedures, implementing new SOPs as needed.
• Provide technical guidance and governance to the business and support QA investigations.
• Collaborate with commercial and marketing functions on the technical roadmap and business strategy.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Technical guidance

Team mentorship

Communication

Kaizen

Education

Degree in chemistry/chemical engineering or related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Job Title: Technical Manager, North America

Location: Durham, NC

About the Company

IPS Corporation is a global, market-leading provider of Water and Flow Management Solutions and Specialty Adhesives Solutions for applications where failure is not an option. Founded in 1954 in Los Angeles, CA, IPS began by producing clear cements for laminating acrylic sheet for aircraft canopies. We were first to produce reliable cement for use with PVC, CPVC, and ABS pipe and fittings, and first to introduce plastic recessed washing machine and ice maker outlet boxes. Since then, we have expanded our offering to more than 10,000+ products and solutions across multiple fast-growth industries such as residential and commercial construction, irrigation, pool & spa, marine or industrial manufacturing.

Today our industry leading products are proudly manufactured at facilities throughout the world and available through a nationwide network of customer-focused distributors. We offer premium brands, world-class customer service, seamless processes, and a global supply chain. IPS, through its three operating companies, operates 13 manufacturing plants in the US, Europe and China supporting sales to over 85 countries.

IPS Corporation is a portfolio company that is part of Centerbridge Partners. Centerbridge Partners, L.P. is a private investment management firm employing a flexible approach across investment disciplines — private equity, private credit and real estate — in an effort to develop the most attractive opportunities for its investors. The Firm was founded in 2005 and has approximately $36 billion in capital under management with offices in New York and London. Centerbridge is dedicated to partnering with world-class management teams across targeted industry sectors and geographies. For more information, please visit www.centerbridge.com.

About the IPS Adhesives Division

IPS Adhesives (IPSA) is a global supplier of adhesive and related solutions to a wide variety of markets. For over 70 years, IPS Adhesives has invested in product innovation, that provides specialized bonding solutions that are shaping the future of leading-edge assembly and construction design. Our brands are trusted worldwide by kitchen, bedroom and bathroom fitters, sign and display assembly operations, structural partners working in transportation, construction, boat building and more. Through these innovative performance and environmentally conscious-led solutions, we believe we can also help improve the lives of people working in these industries for generations to come. For more information visit www.ipsadhesives.com.

About the Role

Role Accountabilities, Expectations, and Responsibilities

• Management – Oversee the local technical team and day to day activities within NPD and QC. Providing mentorship, training and guidance to ensure the delivery of high quality work.
• Project Management – Lead and manage the project portfolio within your region, adhering to project timelines and coordinating resources globally with other regional technical leaders.
• EHS Compliance – Maintain and update EHS risk assessments, COSHH and SOPs for laboratory environments.
• Quality Assurance – Maintain and develop NPD and QC systems and procedures as well as implementation of new SOPs when needed. Carrying out work in compliance to ISO 9001.
• Technical Expertise – Provide technical guidance and governance to the business. Support and lead teams through development projects and quality investigations.
• Collaboration – Liaise with commercial and marketing functions, supporting the development and implementation of the technical roadmap and business strategy.
• Confers with scientists, engineers and customers/potential customers regarding research, field test results, and prepares technical papers and reports.
• Reporting and Documentation – Maintain accurate documentation for all technical work through the team. Preparing updates, reporting progress and results to leadership and key stakeholders. Conveys technical ideas in written or verbal reports at a suitable level for the audience.
• Be a leader and drive improvement of everything. “Kaizen is the way of life”. Make recommendations for improvements to facilities or processes when needed. Maintain an efficient practical working environment.
• Works to site health, safety, and quality standards. Proactive in reporting issues and making improvements. Controls chemical and process hazards in the laboratory through internal procedures.

The duties and responsibilities highlighted in this job description are indicative and may vary over time. Post holders are expected to undertake other duties and responsibilities relevant to the nature, level and extent of the post.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

• Education to degree level within chemistry, chemical engineering or other relevant scientific discipline or equivalent relevant experience.
• Eight years or more experience working with adhesives, coatings, polymers, plastics, formulation development, material properties or other equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in technical management.
• A strong understanding of chemistry and the relevant technologies.
• Experience presenting to a wide range of audiences at all levels of the business including non-technical and business leaders.
• Chemical manufacturing experience is desirable.
• An awareness of sustainability, environment, health and safety issues.
• Strong IT skills including MS Office packages.
• Good organizational skills and a methodical approach to work.
• Ability to manage and balance workload to meet agreed project targets.

Key Competencies

• Ability to lead, manage and empower teams.
• Knowledge in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Data/information collection, management, and analysis.
• Planning and organisation
• Proactive, self-motivation and able to use initiative.
• Attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills – verbal and written across all levels of the organization
• Flexibility to adapt to the needs of customers or business objectives.
• Teamwork