Job Family Group:
Sales and Business Development
Are you ready to do something remarkable? Ready to collaborate with an incredible team to solve problems that improve people’s lives? Meet Ingevity.
At Ingevity, we develop innovations that purify, protect and enhance the world around us. Our products enable oil to flow better, crops to grow fuller, roads to last longer and ensure that the air we all breathe is cleaner.
Our people come from all different backgrounds and help reimagine new possibilities daily. We understand there is no challenge too big and no contribution too small. We seek out new ideas for tackling complex problems and celebrate achieving the improbable. We value each person’s unique talents and synergize them to create meaningful impact and sustainable solutions for our customers and our world.
Bold. Energetic. Ingenious. Genuine. If these qualities describe you, we’d love for you to join Ingevity!
Position Overview:
We’re looking for a dynamic, seasoned leader with extensive experience in leading technical product development and research teams within a carbon manufacturing company across a global footprint. To be successful, you will possess solid communication skills across all levels, have a proven track record of building and strengthening high performing technical teams focused on our customers, growth and innovative thinking. In this role you will lead the strategic development of world-leading activated carbon products that meet or exceed regulatory and automotive customer requirements. You will need a strategic focus to deliver technical and business objectives, while also instilling a culture of technical discipline and accountability within the organization.
How you will impact Ingevity:
Reporting to the EVP, Performance Materials, the Technical Director is an integral member of Ingevity’s Performance Materials Leadership Team. You will lead the PM technical product development, process development and application teams to improve or develop new activated carbon products, components, equipment, or processes to meet customer needs. You will also lead technical efforts to develop new carbon materials for developing markets, including electrical energy storage materials. You will collaborate cross-functionally with commercial, innovation, regulatory advocacy, operations, quality, human resources, and other key functions to ensure internal alignment, organizational awareness and efficient execution of the product development strategy. We seek an innovative leader with proven project execution skills that focuses on teamwork and results.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with executives and leadership teams to drive the IngeviWay culture of “Build, Inspire, and Lead”, through advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion with integrity and ethical behavior.
- Develop effective & cohesive teams and team leaders to become a world class technical & innovation organization in the markets we serve.
- Serves as thought leader for innovation & technology integration into the business development strategy
- Lead and manage R&D teams to drive product development and integration, including setting goals, timelines, and strategies.
- Direct technical teams to create differentiated products to solve or advance our customers’ needs
- Lead and guide the end-to-end product development lifecycle for activated carbon automotive products, from conceptualization to market release.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including technical researchers/scientists/engineers, regulatory advocacy, and commercial teams to drive innovation and deliver high-quality, cutting-edge solutions.
- Develop and implement streamlined technical processes specific to activated carbon development, enhancing efficiency, scalability, and adherence to regulatory standards.
- Oversee the end-to-end product development process, from ideation through business case & feasibility assessment, design, testing & validation, and scale-up.
- Build organizational competencies through active employee development and ensure all technical teams have effective technical capabilities, leadership skills and resources capable of meeting the demands of the business.
- Manage direct reports by providing timely and constructive feedback, support and coaching, assessing performance and providing development and growth opportunities
- Keep up to date on new developments in the activated carbon field.
- Ensure the core automotive innovation pipeline is robust and aligned with market insights, consumer demands and emerging trends.
- Establish rigorous quality standards and protocols to guarantee that all products meet regulatory requirements, industry standards, and customer expectations.
- Manage departmental budget effectively, allocating resources strategically to maximize ROI and drive sustainable growth while maintaining high-quality standards.
- Implementing robust project management frameworks and tools to effectively organize projects, delegate tasks, and track project success.
What you need to succeed:
- PhD degree in materials, chemistry, or engineering field with minimum 15 years in industrial experience in R&D and/or Product Development.
- Knowledge of carbon manufacturing and automotive industry required. Global or multi-national business experience preferred
- Strongly networked and well-informed about the activated carbon industry
- Asks ‘Why not?’ instead of ‘Why?’ Embodies a can-do attitude.
- Challenges business & technical groups to think bigger and faster.
- Experience with building high functioning teams
- Excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills required.
- Team oriented, collaborative and flexible, with demonstrated ability to articulate and drive a team towards designed outcomes.
- Proven track record of delivering technical results and leading organizations through change.
- Ability to partner well with senior leaders; demonstrated success in engaging leadership in effective decision making including strong project management skills and a demonstrated ability to lead complex cross-functional initiatives across a breadth of stakeholders.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Willing to travel as much as 30% when required.
- This position is eligible for relocation assistance.
- This role is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. The successful candidate must not now, or in the future, require sponsorship to work in the US.
Ingevity is a company made up of extraordinary people of every race, religion and background, all worthy of the same dignity. Our differences are one of our great strengths. Join us in building a culture of increasing diversity and respect – a culture where everyone belongs.
Ingevity is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.
Recruiting Agencies: Ingevity does not accept unsolicited resumes and therefore, will not be responsible for any fees associated with unsolicited resumes.
