Director Lubricants R&D

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NCH Corporation - Join Our R&D Team as Director of Lubricants R&D

Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of science and technology? Do you want to make a real-world impact by developing cutting-edge lubricants and fuel additive products? At NCH, the largest independent manufacturer of lubricants in North America, we're looking for a visionary, creative, and strategic leader to join as our Director of Lubricants R&D to help us revolutionize the future of advanced performance lubricants!

To understand more about our Company, please check out our North American website where our products are sold under the Certified Labs brand www.certifiedlabs.com

Reporting to Certified and the Vice President R&D, the Director of Lubricants R&D is responsible for ensuring the overall R&D needs of NCH's 350 Million Dollar Lubricants business are met.The primary purpose of this job is to ensure that product research and design, product optimization, and technical/analytical support is provided to the Lubricants Strategic Business Unit.You will be responsible for new product/process development in the field of lubricants of interest to the corporation - automotive lubricants and greases, industrial lubricants and greases, metalworking fluids and coolants, lubricant performance additives, and fuel additives.

This is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to shape the future with a dynamic team, and make a lasting impact across industries like agriculture, construction, mining, energy, and more. We're all about cutting-edge research, teamwork, and making things happen!

What You'll Be Doing:

Lead and Mentor - Play a vital role in strategic planning for the business while mentoring associates on product development, product applications, laboratory processes, procedures, and company goals. Assess talent and determine development plans/goals.

Lead Exciting Projects - Provide technical guidance and supervision of new product development/existing product reformulation, steering projects from cradle to grave.

Invent and Improve - Work with internal and external customers to identify product needs or improvements, establishing deliverables and timelines. Define and drive product specs, manufacturing processes, and performance tests that push the envelope.

Drive Innovation - Generate project ideas and product investigations and stay up to date on the latest technologies. Develop and hold responsibility for the Lubricants R&D budget.

Global Impact - Work with our teams worldwide to enhance product manufacturing and make improvements on a global scale. Your work will touch industries everywhere, from mining in Australia to largest construction companies in the U.S.!

Analyze and Present - Dive deep into data, identify trends, and present your findings to key stakeholders, influencing major decisions. Identify, manage, and communicate risks for product program and process continuity.

Conduct Research - Utilize resources to track emerging technologies and industry trends for better market specific products. Contribute to and capitalize on our extensive patent portfolio.

Troubleshooting - Tackle real-world challenges with creative problem-solving and take charge of non-conformance issues to ensure our products are industry leading. Provide technical support for manufacturing processes, as well as in the field to support Sales.

Collaborate Across Teams - Foster relationships with Sales, Marketing, and Global Platforms. Represent NCH appropriately at industry conferences and be the focal point in managing relationships with lubricant material suppliers.

What We're Looking For:

• A Strong Science Background - You hold a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Engineering, or a related scientific field, a PhD degree is a plus. You're passionate about applying your knowledge to real-world challenges.
• 15-20 Years of Hands-On Experience in R&D - You bring experience working in a grease (automotive), fluid lubricant (automotive and industrial), or fuel additive lab environment or production setting.
• 5+ years of management experience, preferably in a technical capacity. You demonstrate leadership abilities with a proven track record to: supervise personnel, plan and control operating budget, establish department goals and priorities, meet department goals and priorities, develop long and short-range plans.
• Expertise in Grease or Lubricant Chemistry - You have experience with product and process development, technical project management, and technical assistance to manufacturing sales.
• Knowledge of Tribology & Rheology
• Problem-Solving Pro at Heart - You're a natural critical thinker who loves digging into complex problems and finding creative, practical solutions. This includes strong experience in working with and supporting sales personnel, including visits to customers to provide technical support.
• Tech-Savvy - You're comfortable with the MS Office Suite and can use data to make informed decisions. Whether you're presenting findings or analyzing results, you've got the tools to do it all.
• Clear Communicator - You know how to communicate your ideas clearly and confidently, both in writing and in person. Whether you're explaining a new discovery to the team or sharing insights with senior leadership, you can make complex concepts easy to understand.
• Fast Learner & Adaptable - You pick up new concepts quickly and can easily apply them in new contexts. You're excited to learn, grow, and take on new challenges, and you're ready to pivot when a situation calls for it.
• Research-Driven - You have a strong ability to dig into the latest research, apply new knowledge to your work, and push the envelope on product innovation. Your curiosity and drive to stay ahead of the curve are key to your success.
• Strong Leader - You're eager to share your expertise with lab associates and across business units, and you excel at coordinating work efforts among individuals and teams. You're decision-making skills are on point, and you're results driven, no matter the situation.

Why Join NCH?

• Innovative Freedom - We give you the freedom to explore and experiment in an environment that values fresh ideas and creative thinking.
• Largest Independent Manufacturer of Lubricants in North America - With our leading position in the industry, your work will impact some of the most essential sectors worldwide.
• Diverse Team - Be part of a global team where everyone's knowledge and experience contribute to our shared success.
• Growth Opportunities - We're growing, and we want you to grow with us! Develop your career and expand your expertise across industries.
• A Thriving Company - Join a 105 years old, stable Company that's still evolving to lead the way in industrial lubricants, fuels, and beyond.

Ready to make your mark at the largest independent lubricant manufacturer in North America? Apply today and help us drive innovation that powers the future!

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.