Segment Manager Development Lab

Job Summary

Plans, directs, and leads local Development laboratories focused on customer products, applications, enhancements, and reformulations. Responsible for short to mid-range goals related to laboratory operations and customer product strategy.

• Initiates, assigns, and supervises Projects based on focused Research and Development Pipeline, and communicates results regularly and effectively to both internal and external customers.
• Develop regional portfolio products in one or more applications, aligned with customer needs complying with product strategy and change management process with valid business justifications.
• This is done in conjunction with Commercial Group (Sales, Product Line Manager, etc.) and with consultation of COIs is mandatory to assure that best practices on formulation concepts and test methods e.g. on benchmarking campaigns is always considered.
• Working with Product Stewards & EHS to make sure that new technologies are aligned with global compliance requirements and restraints in terms of product risks.
• Assists in maintaining a Product Portfolio which captures raw material and operational synergies in support of continuous improvement of quality and profitability.
• Contributes to the global technical function as a member of the technology team management team; identifies and distributes useful technologies for leveraging across all New Co’s global R&D sites.
• Share and leverage best practice research process across global regions and segments through interactions with COIs.
• Responsible for resolution of customer technical complaints with clear understanding of root cause and drive correct and preventive actions to be put in place, with joint responsibility from commercial account managers and field technical program managers.
• Visiting Customers to better understand the market needs (Minimum 5 x year).
• Support the local Supply Chain / Production in production process definition, waste disposal, Quality Control, and all other collateral needs.
• Support Raw Material team in approving raw materials according to EHS rules, in order to incorporate them in new formulations and better answer market needs.
• Adopt the common agreed standards associated with product testing and analysis. Support the local Supply Chain and commercial leads to identify localization of products with local raw materials in New Co production plants and at appointed toll manufacturers.
• Ensure robust IP management system in both own manufacturing facility and at approved tollers. Also support guidance in formulation disclosure during import / export declaration.
• Trains, supervises and is responsible for Work Safety in group, completes all necessary Training, and ensures EH&S compliance for products and customer solutions.
• Responsible for Lab procedures, equipment and the upkeep of ISO documentation. Follow / initiate / drive CSR/ sustainability agreements.

Other general lab management:
Manage the Local lab Budget, or budget segment, in accordance with the budget.

Organizes and provides timely technical support to include process initiatives, customer visit reports, as well as monthly reports on projects and activities.

Utilize the Annual Performance Appraisal process to manage staff by objectives and provide constructive feedback to aid development. Provide regular and ongoing feedback to employees.

Responsible for the hiring, training, developing, and evaluating lab personnel.

Attends technical societies and seminars and keeps abreast of new technology. Evaluate and make recommendations on third party (such as University, Government or Private) research opportunities.

At Quaker Houghton, we are experts in the development, production and application of industrial process fluids, lubricants and coatings for the manufacturing industry. We have been an integral part in the growth of the world’s largest industrial and manufacturing companies from aerospace and automotive to primary metal and energy. Today, we have a global presence, with our corporate headquarters located in Conshohocken, PA.

Quaker Houghton is a global publicly traded company with a unique collaborative culture that supports career…