Manager Product Development

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples’ lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.​

SUMMARY

The Polyethylene Product Development Manager works closely with Polyethylene Technology Management, Product Management, Market Development, Technical Services, Sales, and Operations to maintain competitive Polyethylene and Epolene products.  This is done by overseeing the Product Development Group activities to develop new products, modify existing products, coordinate technology projects, and provide consultation on new technologies.   

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manage Product Development Group to effectively support product development programs and technology needs of Polyethylene
• Coordinate activities and projects of Product Development personnel according to priorities across Polyethylene stakeholders
• Manage direct-report engineers, chemists, and specialists
• Maintain relationship for close collaboration with the Technology, Product Management, Marketing, Sales, & Production teams
• Assess Polyethylene and Epolene product lines against competitive products to maintain or grow market shares
• Ensure core competencies of group are maintained and reinforced
• Ensure development of product knowledge and process technologies for developing new products and maintaining competitive ones
• Support needs for Regulatory statements and product certifications
• Provide timely troubleshooting support to Production
• Ensure personnel perform duties in a manner to protect personal Safety as well as others, and promote participation in safety related activities and projects
• Work closely with the Technical Service and the Manager – Applications and Development Labs to build a consensus approach to work, maintenance activities, and Safety across all labs
• Maintain awareness and evaluate new technology developments, and advise Polyethylene on potential opportunities
• Offer knowledge and expertise, as needed, to inform projects and to influence long term technology plans
• Oversee budget and purchasing (SAP) activities across the Product Development cost center
• Coordinate the Product Development capex budget plans with the Applications and Development group plans
• Develop a well-performing team, including to anticipate personnel changes, to manage within a small group with diverse backgrounds and experience, and lead recruiting efforts as needed to acquire new talent
• Ensure all work is done following site health, Safety, and Environmental policies and procedures

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Highly (minimum 10 years) experienced in Polyolefin Technology, preferably product development
• Knowledge of polymerization processes, resin characterization, polymer processing, and applications
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Experience managing professionals and technicians in technical-development programs
• B.S. Degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering considered with demonstrable, direct experience in the industry, advanced degree preferred.
• Computer skills incl. e.g. Microsoft Office, SAP, etc.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This job is performed mainly in a laboratory or office setting; physical presence is required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; have full use and range of motion of arms, hands and fingers to reach, grasp, hold, push or pull, twist, talk and hear.  The employee is occasionally required to perform tasks that may require bending, stooping, kneeling, or crouching. The employee must be able to move safely over uneven terrain. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to see details of objects that are more/less than a few feet away; see differences between colors, shades and brightness and determine the distance between objects. This job requires response to audible emergency alarms inside of the plant.  Employee must be able to evacuate when required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The employee must be able to work in a normal factory environment, including enclosed spaces and exposure to various hazards. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as normally based in an office.  Some of the work may be required in the operating units which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, flame retardant clothing, etc.  May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators.  Travel including air travel or auto travel may occasionally be required.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.

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