R&D Manager

Challenge Yourself and Impact the Future!

MacDermid Graphics Solutions

MacDermid Graphics Solutions operates as a business unit of Element Solutions Inc (NYSE: ESI). Element Solutions Inc is a leading specialty chemicals company whose businesses supply a broad range of solutions that enhance the products people use every day. MacDermid Graphics Solutions is a global leader in the manufacturing of photopolymer plates and equipment used in flexographic printing. We deliver high-quality graphic capabilities for package printing. Our mission is to provide world-class customer experience while meeting your flexographic printing plate needs with award-winning technology.

We strive to embody the five “Elements of our Culture,” our “5Cs”: Challenge, Commit, Collaborate, Choose and Care. These core values are the foundation of our organization which our employees embrace in their interactions with customers, colleagues and other stakeholders to drive financial performance and create a rewarding work environment.

Who are we looking for?

The mission of the R&D Manager is to create new products or processes that address MacDermid Graphics Solutions business and customer needs. The R&D Manager is responsible for managing product development projects, especially the development and refinement of chemical formulations, imaging tests, plate processing methods, and refinement of manufacturing processes. This includes products and processes for solvent, thermal, or liquid photopolymer platemaking and processing. 

What will you be doing?

· Must ensure compliance with letter and spirit of all safety regulations for ESI employees and contractors involved in on-site activities.

· Accountable for the planning, tracking, and completion of product development projects in a timely manner.

· Must maintain detailed records of research activities, documenting work sufficiently to support the acquisition of patent protection of new technology. This includes both laboratory notebooks as well as Technical Memoranda.

· Must maintain and safeguard confidential and trade secret information regarding products, processes, and techniques. This includes both trade secret information as well as advancing other intellectual property requirements as needed (patents, licensing, development agreements).

· Travel to vendor, co-supplier, or manufacturing sites as required. Long hours may be required for production and customer trials. Travel up to 20% may be required, depending upon project and customer needs and experience of the R&D Manager.

· Ability to understand and adhere to both company and client standards

· Must be able to communicate in an objective and concise manner with supervisor(s), management, suppliers, clients and others, both orally and in writing, as related to job duties.

Who are you?

Ideally you will have: 

· Minimum of a M.Sc. in a technical field (Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, etc.), Ph.D. preferred.

· Graduate-level training or industrial R&D experience with photochemistry, polymer synthesis, and polymer processing of styrenic block copolymers, polyurethane elastomers, or other relevant chemical systems.

· 10+ years experience in technical project management.

· Previous group/team management experience desired

· Proven ability to track, manage, and report on the progress of complex projects, and to consistently meet deadlines.

· Proven ability to use statistical methods to design, analyze, and interpret the results of complex experimental programs.

· Proven ability to develop and grow technical individuals – including mentoring, training and coaching and promoting an internally collaborative environment.

· Demonstrated interpersonal and technical skills required to work across functional areas and with customers to gather and maintain information required for product development activities.

· Experience with collaboration with external vendors to keep projects on track and on schedule.

· Expertise with Microsoft Office and Office 365 applications and DOE software.

We understand that not all candidates may meet the requirements listed above. If you believe you have the skills and experience necessary to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. 

What competencies will you need?

• Deep understanding of core technologies and customer needs. A technical expert in at least one area, and able to understand and contribute to other technical areas quickly.
• Proven ability to take a concept from the lab and apply it to customer application.
• Understands fundamental business value proposition and has had exposure to financial management tools. Able to effectively coordinate with Business Development personnel on product commercialization.
• Able to summarize complex technical investigations. Adjusts to the audience's needs appropriately.
• Understands basics of patent and trade secret practices. Recognizes where confidentiality needs to be protected and safeguards IP responsibly.
• Involved in discussion with Business Development personnel to understand project needs, as well as with the Researchers who execute plans to address them. Emphasis on effective technical project management.
• Projects, coordinating cross-functional resources, innovating within a business area and team.
• Mentoring technical personnel for career development. May manage projects more than people.

Education

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. #LI-DM1