R&D Technical Manager- Houston, Texas (On-Site)

Make a +Difference at Kraton!

At Kraton, we make a Positive Difference, and we are looking for individuals who are also looking to make a difference in their jobs, for our customers and to the world.  We are looking to hire a key member of our R&D Team at our Houston location. 

 The Technical Manager II leads and manages functional area project teams that focus on new process, product development, and applications in area of oversight.

Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:
Technical & Technical Management

• Responsible for technical management of R&D projects to successful completion.  In addition, develop, manage, and communicate the technology and/or regulatory strategy and roadmap in alignment with business team
• Ensure capability is sufficient for business needs and provide input for strategic initiatives
• Technical oversight and management of the project portfolio within focus area or otherwise assigned
• Monitor Go/No Go progress and make recommendations
• Monitor technology and/or regulatory trends and assess competitive technologies and products
• Translate newly developed technologies and/or regulations across regions and teams
• Ensure proprietary technology and Intellectual Property (IP) protection &  manage relevant IP portfolio
• Lead the resolution of issues, understand timeline impacts, and monitor progress monthly, including budget
• Ensure HSES Guidelines are communicated, understood and utilized appropriately

Team & Talent

• Provide oversight, management, and strategic direction for resource pool of scientists, technicians, and/or specialists
• Develop strong skills and competencies within team to support multiple projects; coach and mentor team

Collaboration

• Engage actively in internal or external customer, university, regulatory, and/or other third party interactions
• Ensure healthy alignment, behaviors, and teamwork of cross functional

Required Skills

• Minimum 10 years relevant technical experience + minimum 8 years of experience supervising technical staff.
• Must be able to discuss in detail scientific basis for experimental approach
• Strong people management, project management, and change management skills
• Experience in managing projects and change management skills
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing
• Communicate effectively with multifunctional, multinational, and diverse backgrounds
• Must be able to effectively present information to and respond to questions from various stakeholders up to and including executive level
• Ability to engage and influence internal and/or external customers at all levels

Education, Certifications & Licenses

BS in related field; MSc or PhD preferred

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The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification.  Statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required for this position.

Kraton’s internal talent acquisition team manages our recruiting efforts and from time to time works with pre-selected/pre-approved external staffing agencies. We do NOT accept unsolicited resumes or candidate referrals from recruiters and/or agencies who are not pre-selected/pre-approved.

Kraton is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.