Coatings Development Group Leader

The Group Leader manages the development of new and improved products and technology at the Warrensville Technical Center for Automotive OEM Interior Coatings.  Reporting to the Technical Manager, the Group Leader is responsible for various new product lines that are being developed by the OEM Interior Development Group including 1 and 2K Polyurethane systems for all types of substrates in the interior.  Including buttons, doorframe, console, seatbacks, seats, handles, etc.

This position is responsible for managing efforts designed to grow the OEM Interior business globally, and will direct 5-7 staff, including Chemist and lab techs.  Projects are longer term, and last 2-4 years in length.  Will give presentations to customers and bring a sense of diplomacy to work with demanding customers.

Core Responsibilities:

• Managing a team of chemists
• Directing new technology projects through feasibility, development, validation and launch
• Supporting the sales process (new business based on new product lines)
• Developing action plans to resolve technical challenges encountered when creating new product lines
• Directing the timely completion of Five-Stage Development projects designed to expand the OEM Interior business via new product lines that address new market opportunities and/or new, increasingly difficult OEM performance requirements
• Leading by example: experience with sampler preparation, spray application and testing
• Ensuring DFSS methodology is used throughout the Five-Stage-Development process
• The management and development of technical staff which includes timely completion of performance appraisals, coaching, mentoring, training, interviewing and hiring
• Supporting the PCG Quality Management System
• Collaborating with Polymer Resource Center, PCG Innovation Team, Global Supply Chain, Maintenance of Business team, Continuous Improvement team, Marketing, Sales, Tier customers, OEMs and suppliers
• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with those in the field
• Maintaining safe operating procedures through complete knowledge of safety rules and lab procedures
• Travel Requirements: 15% Domestic and International

**If you’d like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Stephanie Kemp at skemp@cps4jobs.com.

JO:  964.22SK
#LI-SK1

Technical Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications

• Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment
• Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math field
• 3-5 years of experience in polymer science, structure property relationships, coatings formulation, manufacturing and application
• Experience working with products and technologies including but not limited to 1K, 2K, primer, monocoat, and base coat / clear coat systems both straight shades and metallics both solvent-based and waterborne
• Demonstrated project management or leadership

Preferred Skills

• At least 3 years in a supervisory / management role
• 5-7 years’ experience in coating formulation
• Experience working with coatings over plastic substrates
• Experience working with Automotive OEMs
• Experience formulating for the Automotive OEM Interior market
• Experience working with Plural Mix systems and robotic application

**If you’d like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Stephanie Kemp at skemp@cps4jobs.com.

JO:  964.22SK
#LI-SK1