Title: Technical Director

Location: Columbia, SC area

Overview

The Chatham Group is a dynamic talent acquisition firm focused on the science and technology-based industries. It has been the preferred recruiting partner of a leading global manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of industrial coatings for over 26 years. This company provides top-notch quality paints, primers, finishes, and coating products for various industrial applications including Steel Fabrication, OEM, Industrial Maintenance, Ornamental Iron, Electrostatic Coatings, and more. The company offers a broad line of quality industrial coatings consisting of polyurethanes, alkyds, epoxies, water-reducible, and much more.

Summary

• The Technical Director coordinates and manages the work of all technical personnel in the Development laboratory. The Technical Director originates and assigns projects to technical managers and chemists and is responsible for the accuracy and completion of those assignments. The Technical Director establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with other departments. It is a prerequisite that the Technical Director have a strong background in industrial finishes and maintenance coatings formulation and some knowledge of architectural coatings formulation. The Technical Director may also be asked to take responsibility for managing the work of third-party technical projects performed by our vendor-partner's laboratories.

Job Description: (including but not limited to)

• The technical authority for the facility that is accountable for the method of manufacturing in formulation and compliance with specifications.
• Communicate needs for manufacturing process and methods for new product launch. Interface with Production to achieve a smooth transition from lab batches to production batches.
• Provide technical input into the facility strategy ensuring that materials and manufacturing process strategy are communicated in capital plans.
• Manage and direct the technical efforts of our Chemist(s), establishing goals for project completion and delegation of projects. Also responsible for assigning research projects as developed by the Technical Director, Sales, and/or company managers.
• Partner with the function of our Quality Control effort to constantly improve our system and products.
• Interface with Purchasing as it relates to raw material needs for both new and current usage.
• Interface with Sales and as needed Prospective Customers as well as Existing Customers to develop and/or maintain business as needed.
• Oversee Lab processes and practices to streamline and improve them as appropriate.
• Oversee the storage and accuracy of internal test reports.
• Oversee the documentation of raw material specifications, Q.C. specifications, test methods, and training of lab personnel on finished goods performance specifications.

Desired Qualifications:

• Scientific background in chemistry, either through academics or industry experience, and at least 10 years experience in a coating’s laboratory and in support of a production facility.
• A strong background in industrial coatings formulation and some knowledge of architectural coatings formulation.
• Knowledge of project management techniques sufficient to conceive, start, conduct, monitor, conclude, and report on company-sponsored product development projects.
• Knowledge and understanding of raw material interactions and performance in paint formulations and of relevant testing associated with different types of coatings products.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate technical information and concepts orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of industrial standards that pertain to laboratory management, including the safe use, storage, and disposal of chemicals.
• Well-developed ability to use computer and software applications and databases.
• Lots of initiative
• Detail and goal-oriented with a strong ability to multi-task.
• Great Organizational skills
• Confident decision-making ability
• Problem-solving skills
• Interpersonal skills

• Familiarity with analytical instruments such as Gas Chromatography, FT-IR Spectroscopy, color software, etc.

Competences:

• Lots of initiative
• Detail and goal-oriented with a strong ability to multi-task

• Great Organizational skills

• Confident decision-making ability

• Problem-solving skills

• Interpersonal skills