Seal for Life Industries, a division of Henkel Adhesives Technologies, is seeking a Technical Director with the dynamic spirit and vision necessary to foster innovation of new products and drive success of a high performing, high energy technical team. The Infrastructure Coatings services the Performance, Polymer Flooring, Insulative, Marine, and Fire Protection Coatings markets. With our trusted brands, our cutting-edge technologies and our disruptive solutions, you will have countless opportunities to explore new paths and develop your skills. Grow within our future-led businesses, our diverse and vibrant culture and find a place where you simply belong.
The Technical Directorwill be responsible for the complete management of the Infrastructure Coatings Laboratories located in Houston, TX and works in close liaison with the business unit Vice Presidents and Operation Managers.
Position Responsibilities
- Maintains a safe and regulatory compliant laboratory work environment in accordance to Good Laboratory Practice and through proper usage of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Provides overall direction and guidance for the Research and Development function working in conjunction with the Business Unit Sales Leaders. Directs new product development and any improvements necessary for existing coatings.
- Manages the daily lab operations by directing and coordinating activities consistent with established goals, objectives, and policies.
- Proactive project leadership/management and product development roadmap execution across product portfolio(s) in order to deliver product design changes resulting in Infrastructure Coatings taking a leadership position in the market.
- Develop a high performing technical team where communication, activities and responsibilities are shared in order to meet corporate goals.
- Provide coaching and leadership to the team and help develop their skills and competencies.
- Implement and annually review management succession planning within the laboratory organization.
Strategic Acumen
- Ability to see the big picture; to prepare contingency plans and long-term strategies; to be proactive; to initiate continuous improvement projects.
- A broad and dynamic understanding of the paints and coatings industry and its trends.
- Ability to think ahead and plan project timelines and resources over a 1–5-year time span.
- Ability to organize and assimilate data/information and prepare strategies from it.
- Ability to work with cross-functional teams from across the globe.
Desired Skills
- The ability to lead, mentor and motivate groups and individuals. Able to overcome obstacles to cooperation and to foster harmonious relations.
- Must possess a successful track record in formulating innovative products through product introduction in the field.
- Proven skills in creating strong and collaborative relationships with raw material suppliers.
- Strong project management skills. Able to balance competing priorities, complex situations, and tight deadlines.
- Excellent communication skills—both upwards and downwards and outside the company. Ability to lead and communicate orally, in written documents, and in formal presentations when required.
- Problem analysis and problem resolution at both a strategic and functional level.
- Knowledge of project management techniques sufficient to conceive, start, conduct, monitor, conclude, and report on company-sponsored product development projects.
- Knowledge and understanding of raw material interactions and performance in paint formulations and of relevant testing associated with different types of coatings products.
- Knowledge of industrial standards that pertain to laboratory management, including the safe use, storage, and disposal of chemicals.
- Well-developed ability to use computer and software applications and databases.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelors, Masters or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related scientific/technical discipline.
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in coatings development and in support of a production facility.
- Minimum of 5 years of proven success in laboratory and people management.
- Preferred – Development, manufacturing and application experience with a wide variety of coating technologies.
Position Reports to: Vice President of Product Development and Application Engineer at Henkel-Loctite
At Henkel, you can build on a strong legacy and leading positions in both industrial and consumer businesses to reimagine and improve life every day. If you love challenging the status quo, join our community of over 47,000 pioneers around the globe. Our teams at Henkel Adhesive Technologies help to transform entire industries and provide our customers with a competitive advantage through adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. With our trusted brands, our cutting-edge technologies and our disruptive solutions, you will have countless opportunities to explore new paths and develop your skills. Grow within our future-led businesses, our diverse and vibrant culture and find a place where you simply belong. All to leave your mark for more sustainable growth.
At Henkel, we come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe the uniqueness of all our employees is the power in us. Become part of the team and bring your uniqueness to us! We welcome all applications across different races, colors, religions, sexes, national origins, disabilities, veteran statuses, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and other legally protected characteristics.
