R&D Manager

About the role

Provide technical leadership and oversight of Afton's Heavy-Duty Engine Oil (HDEO) R&D team. Implement and ensure the overall effectiveness of our global R&D strategy. Effectively plan and manage a global team, budgets, projects, and test resources to deliver stated objectives and meet the needs of the business.

Responsibilities

• Tasked with leading the Heavy-Duty Engine Oil (HDEO) R&D team, a group of chemists and engineers in the development of enabling chemistry, new products, and performance testing to meet the needs of customers and OEMs consistent with our business strategy.
• Responsible for building future, in-depth, fundamental understanding in the HDEO space which we see as key technology drivers for future business.
• Initiate new projects and align current research projects with future New Product Development (NPD) projects supporting the Engine Oils Product and Technology Roadmaps.
• Supervise team member activities and progress, conduct performance appraisals, discuss training and career development needs, recruit and retain team members, and resolve problems and disciplinary issues.
• Consult with R&D Director and HR as appropriate.
• Liaise with Afton’s Technology Development Team, overseeing the development of new components (as necessary) and other joint research activities.
• Provide technical leadership to help team members arrive at the best solution for the business.
• Ensure effective use of Afton’s Product Development Process (APDP).
• Develop new analytical and test methods to characterize products and enable manufacturing capability (as necessary).
• Translate internal and external (customer) Marketing plans into actionable and efficient NPD and research plans.
• Oversee and ensure development, implementation and monitoring of a comprehensive safety program in assigned area.
• Ensure complete ISO documentation is maintained on all ISO or Quality related activities.
• Prepare reports, presentations, monthly highlights and other communications concerning results of laboratory tests or product development progress including next steps and impact on key business initiatives.
• Facilitate, coordinate, and communicate between cross-functional groups - Business, Strategy, Marketing, Customer Technical Service (CTS), Process Development, and Senior Management on team activities.
• Facilitate, assess, and coordinate IP activities including competitor analysis, portfolio reviews and generation of IP.
• Ensure freedom to practice developed products & solutions.
• Represent Afton in industry committees/technical societies/conferences or other meetings.
• Provide input to and manage the R&D budget.
• Ensure communication of all scheduling, prioritization, and resourcing decisions to key stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field such as Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry or Mechanical/ Chemical Engineering.
• Demonstrated effective project management and leadership skills in a chemical R&D environment typically acquired with relevant experience. Including supervisory experience.