The Opportunity
Outstanding succession opportunity to be the next technical leader:
- High growth, privately held coatings manufacturer with global presence
- Long term “play to win” mindset and commitment to independence
- Well-established reputation for high quality and excellent service
- Visible role, all the way to the Board: be mentored by the founder until his retirement, and continue the company’s powder technology leadership position into the future, as Technical Director
- No bureaucracy, nimble decisionmaking; entrepreneurial culture that prizes initiative and ownership
What You’ll Do
- Become expert in all current Company products; learn from the Founder, who has over fifty years of technical powder coatings experience
- Become the go-to technical resource for powder, across formulation, production and the field
- As both leader and hands-on individual contributor, lead innovation and product development of next-generation powder coatings to ensure the company stays at the forefront of quality and performance – this is how they have built their reputation!
- Play a key role in the upcoming expansion of the powder side of the Texas lab as it becomes the technical hub of the business; identify and recommend most valuable new resources in support of ongoing investment
- Identify top priorities in the lab, ensure all appropriate processes and kpi’s are in place for best-in-class outcomes
- Directly advise customers on proper product selection and application; travel to customer sites to troubleshoot issues as needed (mainly domestic). This is a very accessible position, and you’ll field direct customer inquiries as the primary technical expert and point of contact
- Provide support to QC and work closely with Production to ensure consistent quality in a high volume, large batch production environment
- Find solutions to avoid or address production issues; travel to Company facilities in the US and Mexico as required
- Occasional travel to tradeshows (domestic and in Europe)
The Profile
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, polymer science or similar required; advanced degree helpful but experience and attitude are most important
- MUST HAVE 8+ years recent/current experience in technical leadership role in powder coatings, including full scope of direct involvement across formulation, production and customer support in the field – this is the CENTRAL REQUIREMENT
- Familiar with analytical tools and testing specific to powder coatings including relevant ASTM & ISO standards & test methods
- Proven track record of successful new product development and commercialization specifically in powder coatings;
- Experience with lab setup and expansion is very helpful
- Ability to communicate effectively at all levels, and build rapport internally and externally: you build and nurture strong relationships with customers, suppliers and team members
- You’re a leader by example and know how to make the lab an enjoyable place to work for all team members
- Highly self-motivated and committed to excellence, with an entrepreneurial attitude: you take initiative, do what needs to be done irrespective of title, and are willing to take ownership of your actions
- Sense of urgency – you have a drive to move things forward
- Intellectually curious – you take time to stay up to date on the latest technical developments in the industry
- Good sense of humor is essential
- Willing to live/relocate to the Dallas Fort Worth area and travel ~10-15%
In exchange for your powder coatings technical expertise, leadership ability, and commitment, the Company offers an aggressive compensation package, strong bonus, company car and benefits.
