Technical Manager

Our world needs ideas! As one of the world’s most research-intensive chemical companies, we have been developing leading solutions for numerous sectors – from construction to photovoltaics and cosmetics to rubber – for over 100 years. We have a global presence with production sites on three continents and about 14,500 employees from 70 nations.

WACKER SILICONES is one of the world’s biggest silicone manufacturers with silicone-based system solutions and over 3,000 different products. At our Ann Arbor site, we are currently looking for a ​Technical Manager​ to join our growing team.

This position will proactively support the Performance Silicones Business Team in North and Central America in diverse markets including Chemical & Process Industries, Thermal Insulation, Adhesives and Composites. The ability to effectively collaborate with local/global internal teams (Marketing, Direct Sales Manager along with Sales & Distribution, R&D and Supply Chain/Operations) and external customers is paramount to support of team and drive to meet/exceed defined targets. The Technical Manager will be responsible for managing/developing a team of chemists and initiating technical projects within the business team.  Operating in a safe manner is a prerequisite.

The position will support customer product development and/or technical service in collaboration with Sales and Marketing to achieve the Business Team objectives.  The Technical Manager collaborates with the R&D group to innovate products and works closely with our Process Chemists to scale up new products and troubleshoot production challenges.  This position will also manage inventory, regional product registration, and being Chemist of Record for certain materials.

Job Responsibilities

• Evaluates and resolves technical topics from design and planning to production and quality initiatives for the NCA region, with global consideration and alignment. Manages projects plans, budgets, reports and contributes to white papers and makes internal and external presentations.  Accountable for all aspects of safely operating a technical area including gathering relevant performance data of own and competitive products
• Responsible to lead and manage all aspects of a small group of multi-cultural technical employees including hiring, performance reviews, training, developing, mentoring, etc. through a professional presence and high employee engagement
• By using a broad degree of creativity, support the implementation of product and marketing strategies for the business team that will lead to new product developments and applications. Host WACKER ACADEMY trainings to customers and colleagues about the markets served and product portfolio
• Visit customers regularly to support sales with discovery process and presenting results. Actively lead customer needs and innovation meetings as well as researching the industry developments to identify new opportunities. Provide technical support to channel partner through joint customer visits, presentations, application data creation, product set up and maintenance, and coordination with technical team.
• Manage the exchange of information and activities using best practice which includes but not limited to Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN), SAP, Excel, PPT, and Word.  Document activities using Product Modification Activity (PMA), Project System Innovation (PSI) Charter Forms (PCF; ICF) and Opportunity Management with customer relationship tool (SalesForce). Develop intellectual property related to new products and / or applications, drive for related patent filings
• Actively support key R&D innovation projects through technical exchanges and provide necessary application and market data

Job Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related field (prefer a Master Degree or greater)
• Minimum of 5 years demonstrate leadership experience and a collaborative approach to problem solving
• Relevant industry experience with customer product development and presenting technologies to internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to travel up to 40% of the time (potential for International mainly domestic)

WACKER, as an innovative chemical company, makes a vital contribution toward improving the quality of life around the world by developing intelligent solutions for sustainable growth. Our culture focuses on building and retaining diverse and inclusive teams. WACKER offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, competitive benefit offerings and beyond through giving back to our communities.

Be part of our WACKER family, across all nations!

We are looking forward to your online application at www.wacker.com.
Reference Code: 16404 

#LI-CE1

The information contained herein is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. A minimum requirement for this US-based position is the ability to work legally in the United States on a permanent unrestricted basis.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position, including for any type of US permanent residency (e.g., for a Green card).

WACKER is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.