Manager Exploratory and New Product Development

Be an essential element to a brighter future. 

We work together to transform essential resources into critical ingredients for mobility, energy, connectivity and health. Join our values-led organization committed to building a more resilient world with people and planet in mind. Our core values are the foundation that make us successful for ourselves, our customers and the planet. 

Job Description

Are you inspired by “what’s next”? So are we.

When you join the Ketjen team, you contribute to a better tomorrow. You will play a role in powering many of the world’s largest and most critical industries, from energy and communications to transportation and electronics. We are putting innovation to work to improve people’s lives and we want YOU to be a part of it.

Ketjen Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Albemarle Corporation, is currently seeking Chemist or Engineer to lead the FCC R&D Exploratory and New Product Development team (E&NPD) located in our Bayport Research Facility. The successful candidate will supervise the research work, exploratory and new product development and the operations of the E&NPD labs. The Exploratory & New Product Development Manager will manage the FCC R&D new product development and manufacturing support projects and related work in collaboration with the respective Program Managers.

Responsibilities include:

• Manage the FCC R&D new product development and manufacturing support projects and related work in collaboration with the respective Program Managers.
  • Ensure timely execution of R&D plans, milestones, reviews and overall project success and new product commercialization. Prioritize project work when needed.
  • Work with the R&D director to staff the projects and prepare for portfolio reviews. Communicate the results of these reviews and changes in project staffing and objectives to the respective teams.
  • Liaise with Business, GTS, Sales, Manufacturing and other Ketjen stakeholders to ensure that the department projects continue to serve the objectives of the Ketjen FCC business.
  • Provide timely reporting of the projects progress and other department activities to all stakeholders.
  • Facilitate training and development of Program Managers.
  • Maintain our project management process and train new people as needed.
  • Maintain and advance the department’s connection, knowledge and expertise to new technology developments and with world-wide experts in FCC and adjacent fields.
• Lead the E&NPD team and ensure that staffing is maintained at the approved levels, while team members performance receive the support they need to be successful.
• Ensure safe and efficient department operations targeting zero accidents
  • Attend all meetings and approve all LSAs/MOCs, SOPs, etc.
  • Ensure all actions items from these reviews are implemented before the proposed work can proceed.
  • Ensure experiments are done in a safe way.
  • Monitor our incident reporting system and investigate, assign corrective actions and follow-up on any good catches or incidents.
  • Make sure SCAN and our other safety procedures and systems are implemented and reinforced.
  • Maintain ISO compliance of department operations.
• Maintain sustainable and develop new E&NPD research capabilities
  • Maintain sustainable operations by establishing procedures and training to have more than one personnel with the expertise and skills needed to execute key tasks. Participate and follow up on the actions of the annual R&D skills and expertise gap analysis.
  • Acquire new equipment and replace aging one as needed.
  • Ensure sustainable lab and experimental capability infrastructure.
  • Develop proactively new methods and capabilities as needed to execute the mission of the department.
  • Ensure timely execution of capital projects.
• Manage the department budget staying within spending guidelines.
  • Assist the R&D Director with the annual AOP budget process.
  • Develop and propose the capital budget for the E&NPD department.

Basic Requirements:

• PhD or MS degree in Chemical Engineering (preferred), Materials Science, Chemistry, or related disciplines from an accredited university.
• 7+ years of a combination of management and research experience with experience in management of 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.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

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

(Unsolicited Third Party Resumes Not Accepted)

Choose to unlock your full POTENTIAL. Apply today.

We are partners to one another in pioneering new ways to be better for ourselves, our teams, and our communities. When you join Albemarle, you become our most essential element and you can anticipate competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and resources that foster your well-being and fuel your personal growth. Help us shape the future, build with purpose and grow together.