Global Bioprocess Catalysis & Circularity Manager

Department: Innovation & Technology - Catalysis
Location:  Pittsburgh or Boston
Travel Involved: 20-30%
Job Type: Full-Time

Description:

We are expanding catalyst research departments at our Pittsburgh & Boston locations. This position collaborates will oversee a global team of researchers focused on the development and implementation of catalyst technologies throughout Braskem’s operations worldwide.

This individual is responsible for managing the development, scale-up and commercialization of new catalyst and processes in alignment with business objectives aimed at meeting our corporate goals of sustainability and circularity. Responsibilities include leading a global catalyst technology group consisting of approximately 30 professionals.  This position also requires close coordination and cooperation with both process engineering and production managers, particularly as it relates to product performance issues and the development of new products. Other requirements are high level of creativity, disciplined approach to complex projects and ability to work across functions. Safety focus is paramount. 

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Create, define, and implement the Catalysis Technology Circularity and Carbon Neutrality strategy in conjunction with the Braskem businesses and the I&T leadership. This includes the development of research plans and gap analysis of the organization for its ability to conduct those plans.
• Responsible for organizing and leading multi-disciplinary global teams in the research, development and implementation of catalyst technology that result in new and improved products for our clients as well as leveraging catalyst advances to improve manufacturing efficiency.
• Understands Braskem’s processes, supervises research into new catalysts and processes. Candidate coordinates detailed phases of multiple programs, leads interdisciplinary projects and coordinates their implementation into the plant.
• Supervises multiple teams that provides support in the area of catalyst research and development, scale up of lab results including pilot plant and plant trials as necessary.
• Participates in cross disciple technology exchanges, transferring technology learnings to the manufacturing sites, developing new enabling technologies, interacting with universities.
• Identify, develop and strengthen the key technical competences in the area and team members while eliminating existing and future competency and capability gaps within the organization.
• Responsible for the development of budget and staffing plans to meet the objectives of the business on an ongoing basis.
• Responsible for hiring, managing research and laboratory areas in Brazil and US, through direct leaders, considering people development, coaching and mentoring of staff. 

Requirements:

• PhD in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering; with 15+ years prior experience in catalyst research
• Strong technical background and knowledge of catalysis.
• Demonstrated leadership capability.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills are mandatory.
• Track record of working in a team environment.
• Strong technical/problem solving aptitude.
• Initiative, a drive for results, and ability to solve complex problems by identifying and enrolling appropriate resources.
• Good social antenna for global cultural differences and behaviors
• Experience in both commodity chemical catalysis and polyolefin catalysis very desirable.
• Strong technical and critical thinking skills with good polymer science and engineering fundamentals. 
• Ability to identify opportunities, define problems and targets, and execute solutions. 
• Excellent written and verbal communications as well as computer skills. 
• Incumbent must be self-motivated, responsive and proactive.  
• Must possess strong interpersonal and collaborative skills. 
• Must be team- and results- oriented, with the ability to lead, implement and validate the success of new technology improvements.