Manager Exploratory and New Product Development

US25 KETJEN LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY - Pasadena, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Pasadena, TX

About the position

Join the Ketjen team at Albemarle Corporation, where you will play a pivotal role in powering some of the world's largest and most critical industries, including energy, communications, transportation, and electronics. As a Chemist or Engineer leading the FCC R&D Exploratory and New Product Development (E&NPD) team at our Bayport Research Facility, you will supervise research work, exploratory and new product development, and the operations of the E&NPD labs. Your contributions will directly impact the commercialization of new products and the success of our R&D initiatives. In this role, you will manage FCC R&D new product development and manufacturing support projects, ensuring timely execution of R&D plans, milestones, and overall project success. You will collaborate closely with Program Managers, prioritize project work, and communicate results and changes in project staffing and objectives to relevant teams. Your ability to liaise with various stakeholders, including Business, GTS, Sales, and Manufacturing, will be crucial in aligning department projects with the objectives of the Ketjen FCC business. As a leader, you will facilitate the training and development of Program Managers, maintain project management processes, and ensure that the E&NPD team is adequately staffed and supported. Safety is a top priority, and you will oversee department operations to target zero accidents, ensuring compliance with safety procedures and ISO standards. You will also be responsible for maintaining sustainable operations, developing new research capabilities, and managing the department budget while assisting the R&D Director with the annual budget process. Your expertise in heterogeneous catalysts, materials, and refining technology will be essential in driving innovation and improving processes within the department.

Responsibilities

• Manage the FCC R&D new product development and manufacturing support projects in collaboration with Program Managers.
• Ensure timely execution of R&D plans, milestones, reviews, and overall project success and new product commercialization.
• Prioritize project work as needed and communicate results of portfolio reviews to respective teams.
• Liaise with Business, GTS, Sales, Manufacturing, and other stakeholders to align department projects with business objectives.
• Provide timely reporting of project progress and department activities to all stakeholders.
• Facilitate training and development of Program Managers and maintain project management processes.
• Lead the E&NPD team, ensuring adequate staffing and support for team members' performance.
• Ensure safe and efficient department operations targeting zero accidents and compliance with safety procedures.
• Maintain ISO compliance of department operations and develop new research capabilities.
• Manage the department budget and assist the R&D Director with the annual AOP budget process.

Requirements

• PhD or MS degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related disciplines from an accredited university.
• 7+ years of management and research experience, including managing technical or research teams.
• Strong expertise in heterogeneous catalysts, materials, refining technology, and processes.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, people management, and development.
• Strong teamwork and leadership skills with excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in managing supervisors, senior researchers, and large teams (10+).
• Experience with a stage-gate process for managing R&D projects.
• Good networking skills and relationships with leading experts in FCC and adjacent technologies.
• Knowledge of the FCC market and business.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Resources for personal growth and well-being