Technical Specialist - PVC Additives Chemical Manufacturer

Company Profile

The Baerlocher group of companies is one of the world's leading additive suppliers, drawing on experience from more than 200 years of company history. We are known as a leading producer of additives developed for the processing of PVC and SPA products. The company provides solutions for window profiles, pipes, cables, floorings, foils, films and many other applications with a focus on offering a wide range of innovative additives that meet the highest requirements in terms of efficiency, sustainability, and finished product quality.

Job Summary

Baerlocher USA is currently seeking a talented and experienced Technical Specialist to join our PVC team. As a key member of our technical department, you will play a vital role in providing technical expertise and support to our customers, sales teams, and internal stakeholders. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and contribute to the development of innovative solutions. This customer facing position is targeted for cross discipline product development of projects. The person holding this position must be capable of self-managing multiple projects for PVC applications from ideation through commercialization to meet our customer’s needs throughout North America. These projects can include thermoplastic polymer stabilization, polymer lubricants, additive blends, metal soap synthesis as well as general organic synthesis. This position is also responsible for helping develop and monitor business activities/plans to sustainably grow new and existing market areas.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Collaborate with customers and sales to formulate and implement efficient technical solutions to meet the customer’s stabilization, lubrication, and processing needs
• Assist sales and marketing, including visiting customers and providing technical support
• Maintain contact with industry associations and represent the company at technical meetings and trade shows
• Evaluate and make recommendations for raw material sourcing
• Manage and conduct product development of additive solutions for varying vinyl market segments
• Understand the influence of various additives on the customer’s final product in a given market segment
• Understand various methods of additive addition for the respective market segment
• Understanding the chemistry of PVC stabilization and lubrication of extruded polymers
• Understand polymer processing, including extrusion, calendaring, injection molding, etc.
• Guide the manufacturing process for new and existing additives for assigned market segment
• Support and direct technical assistants on lab experimentation
• Coordinate lab and field trials of functional additives
• Work with Quality Department to identify, control, and monitor critical quality attributes of products produced
• Prepare cost & margin analysis and recommend pricing
• Be actively involved in contract discussions and negotiating
• Identify market needs for potential business growth
• Organize, define and direct customer and general lab evaluations
• Support production in processing and re-processing
• Help trouble shoot specific customer problems
• Train sales force and new laboratory personnel
• Responsible for adhering to the Quality Management System
• Interface with customers, sales, and customer service to ensure the customer requirements are understood, documented, and met.
• Monitor and ensure market segment performance and objectives are aligned with the strategic plan
• Support the development of the annual budget as it relates to assigned market segment
  
  

Required Skills/Abilities

• Fundamentals of Project Management
• Public speaking and presentation skills
• Demonstrates leadership skills for influencing others without direct reporting relationship
• Understands stage gate methodology for commercialization and technical development
• Manages multiple processes and testing methodologies to optimize efficiency and workload
• Able to translate voice of customer for existing markets into development of new products/solutions
• Designs processes and procedures that allow managing from a distance
• Leverages network to facilitate sharing of ideas, resources, market information, and best practices
• Demonstrates ability to lead research/analysis in support of writing and presenting technical/white papers for industry events.
  
  

Minimum

Education/Relevant Industry Experience:

• BS (or equiv) in Chemistry, Chemical or Polymer Engineering, or a related degree AND 5+ years in a lab or technical role; OR Advanced Degree in a relevant field; OR 15 years’ experience in a technical role pertinent to the PVC market segment
• Clean driving record for insurability
• Willing to travel 10-40% of the time
• Has good written and oral communication skills along with attention to detail
  
  

Strongly Desired

• Holds an advanced degree in Chemistry, Chemical or Polymer Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, or closely related field
• Prior industry experience in PVC or polymers
• Six Sigma and DOE experience
• Understands stage gate methodology for commercialization and technical development
• Experience with ISO and Quality Systems and Assurance programs
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting or standing
• Exposure to chemicals and powder substances
  
  

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Yearly bonus
• Paid vacation
• 14 paid holidays
• Health, dental, and vision plans
• Company paid life insurance, short term disability, and long term disability
• 401(k) with company matching contribution