Technical Service and Development Director

Title: Technical Service and Development Director

Location: Pasadena, TX

Who we are:

Voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. Based in Tokyo, Japan. Kuraray has operations in 32 countries and employs more than 11,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.

Why Kuraray:

Kuraray is building a better tomorrow, today. Our team members are dedicated to expanding our business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability.

As a part of Kuraray America, Inc., our team shares the advantages of working for the leader in specialty chemicals, resins, and fibers. Our international presence and resources allow us to be a world-leading innovator in the industries we service. Yet, despite our size, our people are more than just a number. As a new team member, you can expect to earn responsibility quickly. Our commitment to our people is visible in our comprehensive benefits package. As a Kuraray team member, you will have the opportunity to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment.

Position Summary:

The Director of Technical Service & Development (TS&D) is responsible for leading the market development, technical service and development strategy for EVAL, Genestar, and Plantic products and applications across the Americas (Western Hemisphere). This senior leadership role directs a team of technical professionals to ensure that product, application, and technical service objectives are met safely and efficiently while driving business growth. The Director of TS&D has strategic responsibility for expanding sales of EVAL and Plantic by providing expert technical service to customers, leading product development and commercialization initiatives, and pioneering application development that delivers compelling value propositions to the marketplace.

Responsibilities:

Leadership

- Lead and manage the TS&D team in developing strategic technical relationships and development projects with key existing and potential customers, end users, and equipment suppliers

- Direct the effective allocation of resources and management of EVAL, Genestar, and Plantic technical capabilities to deliver maximum value to customers at optimal cost while enhancing market reputation and supporting growth of new products and applications

- Serve as a senior technical resource and subject matter expert to the Sales team, customers, and stakeholders for EVAL and Plantic products

- Oversee customer engagement including site visits to promote products, provide processing and handling training, and deliver comprehensive knowledge of end-use applications

- Direct trials with customers at blown film and cast film semi-work scale equipment at KTRC to develop innovative film and sheet structures utilizing barrier products

- Manage the Corrective Action Request (CAR) process from internal and external customers, ensuring prompt investigation and resolution

- Ensure Kuraray maintains strong market presence through strategic management of customer visits, conference attendance, tradeshow presentations, and technical thought leadership

Product Commercialization

- Lead strategic initiatives to promote, sample, follow-up, and qualify existing and new products at target customers and brand owners

- Direct collaborative partnerships with complementary resin suppliers and equipment OEMs in projects aligned with product development objectives

- Oversee optimization of product formulations with existing technologies to meet regional customer requirements and market demands

- Ensure team conducts timely and proper preparation for laboratory work including trials in accordance with established Chemical Hygiene Program, Regulatory (TSCA, etc.), ISO, and IATF requirements

- Drive the commercialization pipeline from concept through successful market launch

Application Development

- Identify and evaluate new applications where Kuraray products provide compelling value propositions

- Lead the transformation of development projects into commercial sales opportunities

- Pioneer innovative applications that expand market presence and create competitive advantages

- Establish strategic direction for application development aligned with business unit growth objectives

Manufacturing Support

- Provide technical leadership and strategic analysis to EVAL Business Unit Manufacturing group to improve manufacturing processes including product management and disposition

- Lead initiatives to continuously improve quality of EVAL resins and reduce production costs

- Support Product Managers, Production, QC, and personnel involved in rework processes for optimal allocation of non-prime material to customers

- Serve as technical liaison between TS&D and manufacturing operations to drive operational excellence

Team Leadership & Development

- Lead, develop, and mentor the MD and TS&D engineering teams providing technical service for EVAL and Plantic products across the Americas

- Ensure team performance supports Department and Business Unit objectives

- Foster a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and customer-centricity

- Build organizational capability through strategic talent development and succession planning

Safety & Compliance

- Ensure safe operations in laboratory facilities and field activities

- Oversee completion of assignments established by the Kuraray Structure Program

- Ensure all training assigned to engineers in KAI University is completed in accordance with organizational standards

- Maintain compliance with all regulations, safety, and quality management system

Minimum Qualifications:

- Bachelor of Science in a technical field (Engineering, Chemistry, or Polymer Science required)

- Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in polymer processing and/or polymer chemistry field including substantial work with processing equipment, physical testing apparatus, analytical testing devices, technical service, or development of polymers or packaging

- Minimum of 7 years managing people with 5 years leading leaders (supervisors, managers, professionals, and employees) and teams

- Deep knowledge of the business including market dynamics, customer requirements, and competitive landscape

- Proven leadership experience, managing technical teams and driving business results

- Outstanding communication skills with ability to effectively engage with team members, peers, and both internal and external customers at all organizational levels.

- Strategic thinking and business acumen with ability to translate technical capabilities into business growth

- Valid driver's license required.

Competencies :

- Customer Focus

Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.

- Business Insight

Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals.

- Cultivates Innovation

Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.

- Action Oriented

Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.

- Ensures Accountability

Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.

- Drives Results

Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstance

- Collaborates

Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.

- Values Difference

Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization

- Communicates Effectively

Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.

- Courage

Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.

- Instills Trust

Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

- Situational Adaptability

Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.

We offer a competitive compensation package that includes base pay and an annual incentive. This program is designed to reward individual performance and align overall rewards with corporate and team performance.

Our employees benefit from a robust healthcare package that includes wellness reimbursements, along with generous perks such as three weeks of paid time off, ten company holidays, paid parental leave, education reimbursement, and a matching 401k plan, among other offerings.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.

Learn more at kuraray.us.com/careers/

Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/disability/protected veteran status

No third-party candidates accepted.