Technical Leader R&D

At Kraton, we make a Positive Difference, and we are looking for individuals who are also looking to make a difference in their jobs, for our customers and to the world. We are looking to hire a key member of our team at our Belpre, OHlocation.

The R&D Technical Leader will manage the performance of a team to ensure delivery of excellent customer service whilst adhering to strict Health & Safety regulations. This position will manage a technical group of up to 8 scientists/technicians with Technical Manager guidance in scheduling/planning projects, resource planning, safety in the lab and performance/discipline of direct reports.

• Lead a team within the laboratory unit to deliver quality products and service to customers, comply with safety standards, and ensure financial and strategic targets are met.
• Responsible for the technical management of R&D projects to successful completion, inclusive of timelines, resource allocation and capabilities
• Coordinate and assign associated ADP/TSRs in support of the BU objectives.
• Monitor Go/No-go progress and recommend shelving projects or adding resources.
• Develop strong technology competencies within team to support multiple R&D projects within assigned area. Coach and mentor team to promote their development and training.
• Engage actively in external customer, partner, and university interactions as needed.
• Provide results and technical interpretation to internal & external customers. Perform and develop lab procedures and practices that support the achievement of laboratory services, goals and objectives.
• Prepare & review research reports and presentations for internal and external customers.
• Provide technical guidance to customers based on own expertise and knowledge of the market and business.
• Develop new research or design of experiments (DOE)
• Obtain authorization for expenditure (AFE) as necessary
• Work with other managers on the contribution by staff supporting initiatives to resolve issues, understand timeline impacts, and monitor progress monthly.
• Effectively engage and maintain intimate relationship between product, process, and manufacturing teams related to products and developments.
• Contributes to value creation in the working environment, specifically in the development of experimental facilities through outside contacts, knowledge of technology and developments relevant for the area of application and the business.

• Limited demonstration of managerial or supervisory experience either within Kraton Polymers or at previous employer; exhibits corporate values or demonstrated capability to grow into managerial role.
• Demonstrated ability to design and carry out experimental programs.
• Advanced knowledge with relevant health and safety policies with regard to experiments and chemical use (HAZCOM).
• Experience managing projects and change management skills to manage timelines and delegating to team members appropriately with clarity.
• Must be able to communicate and interact effectively with multi-functional, multi-national and diverse backgrounds, both internally and externally.
• Recognizes opportunities for cross-training and knowledge sharing.
• Coach/mentor lower level scientists/engineers.
• Must be able to discuss in detail, the scientific basis of an experimental approach to internal /external customers.
• Must be able to effectively present information and respond to questions from senior management.
• PC literate, knowledge of MS Excel, Word and Outlook required.
• Advanced Excel computer skills in calculations and data interpretation preferred.
• Initiates own personal development, both technical and personal skills.
• Sufficient business acumen to effectively engage commercial team.
• Creates and implements new ideas that positively influence own working environment.

• Bachelor degree in Biology/Chemistry required with minimum 2 years of experience supervising technical staff.
• Master's or PhD. In related field with 0-2 years' experience supervising technical staff.

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. Statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required for this position.

Kraton's internal talent acquisition team manages our recruiting efforts and from time to time works with pre-selected/pre-approved external staffing agencies.We do NOT accept unsolicited resumes or candidate referrals from recruiters and/or agencies who are not pre-selected/pre-approved.

Kraton is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.