Job Purpose

Manages the regional solutions labs within the R&D function by localization and fine tuning existing products/processes/services, (incremental) development, value engineering and color development, as well as support to customers (via sales) and production.

Key Accountabilities

Manages the different labs and R&D activities in the North Asia region

Responsible for delivery on variable cost savings initiatives, product improvements, color delivery, customer requests, complaints and incremental product development

Partners with commercial, marketing & manufacturing functions to deliver commercial value by supporting customer trials, providing re-work dispositions and introducing new formulas and programs to improve RFT

Manages the prioritization of the workload via predefined processes in accordance with business strategy and optimizes efficiency

Manages R&D performance within agreed service levels through predefined KPI’s and reports KPI’s along with the on-going and planned major R&D activities on a monthly basis

Leverages the global organization to identify and implement best practices for products, processes and ways of working of labs. Supports platform development, deployment and technology ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements

Responsible for improving the commercialization potential for new and existing products. The key focus will be on improving product performance and production processes, reducing cost and batch cycle times, increase maximum production capacities and reduce unique materials.

Key Activities

Leads root cause analysis and problem solving when problems with product application or performance is experienced by customers or production

Develops and maintains relations with internal and external suppliers and experts to stay abreast of new technologies

Drives knowledge management by keeping up with internal and external developments and ensures development, transfer and retention of knowledge and information within the organization

Ensures job descriptions are in place, sets objectives for team members, reviews development and provides clear, open and constructive feedback on performance combined with the appropriate actions

Strengthens the talent pipeline by developing talent and regularly assesses and discusses talent and internal movement. Continuously monitors and evaluates retention risk.

Stimulates, manages and follows through on employee engagement and builds on the workforce to reflect the societies and markets in which we do business (D&I)

Is familiar with all the applicable corporate as well as site and laboratory policies/procedures with regard to personal conduct, HSE and Product Safety & Regulatory Affairs (PSRA) standards and acting in compliance with all applicable regulations

Experience

Technical educational in relevant field, e.g. chemistry, chemical technology, etc.

Typically +13 years of relevant experience with Master’s Degree, or typically +10 years of relevant experience with PhD

Deep understanding of the Powder market, customers and value chain

Expert technical knowledge of Powder Coatings

At least 10 years proven track record of industrial experience in multi-national organization

Thorough knowledge of the Paints and Coatings business requirements and operations

Extensive knowledge of key R&D processes

Extensive management capabilities (incl. proven ability of (functionally) managing people and projects), result oriented and strategic thinker

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in English at all levels and across all functions

Pro-active, pragmatic self-starter, high safety awareness

Ability to think differently and a continuous drive to improve him or herself as well as to inspire the organization