Application Development Supervisor

BASIC FUNCTION

The Application Development Supervisor position provides technical support to the polyethylene business and customers to achieve sales, profitability and growth targets established by the business. This role provides expert advice on polymer conversion processes to resolve production issues, quality problems and production optimization both internally and with our customers. The Application Development Supervisor oversees application development activities and supervises Applications Lab Technicians. Demonstrates a high proficiency in polyethylene conversion processes, as well as high self-starting abilities and self-directed assignments, requiring minimal management supervision. This role will interface regularly with Technical & Quality, Operations, Sales & Marketing, Product Stewardship, and directly with customers as well as BAYSTAR’s parent companies and other third parties.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage product & application development activities and ensure products meet industry and customer requirements in film, pipe and other conversion technologies.

• Supervise and coordinate activities of application lab technicians. Manage Baystar applications lab resources and lead capital projects to build on capabilities.

• Maintain a safe work environment in the Applications Laboratory through an active safety/loss control program including regular safety meetings and inspections.

• Understand, support and comply with all safety policies, procedures and applicable regulations including the use of loss control software for loss control reporting and communication, completion of safety inspections and assigned HSSE action items.

• Participate in safety reviews including procedure, pre-startup safety reviews (PSSR), Area Hazard Assessments, equipment discussions, etc. as needed.

• Investigates accidents and near-misses, internal or external to laboratory and participates, conducts, or ensures completion of regular safety requirements.

• Make improvements (safety suggestions), performing safety inspections, completing safety action items, performing safety reviews and risk analyses are an important part of this job.

• Ensure efficient use of Applications Lab resources and develop and maintain a continuous improvement plan for Applications Lab activities.

• Develop and maintain a productive and reliable Applications Lab staff through training, personal development, and supervision.

• Prepare and control operational and capital expense budget for the Applications Lab.

• Collaborate with Operations, Technical Service colleagues, Quality and Customers to support business objectives.

• Conduct processing trials at the customers facilities while working in a safe manner.

• Provide detailed customer call reports of customer trials, visits & trade shows.

• Provide expertise, guidance, and training to Sales & Marketing teams on a regular basis.

• Assist in maintaining and growing sales and market share for BAYSTAR products with existing and new customers.

• Provide competent and efficient technical service to existing and target customers as needed.

• Assist in the commercialization of new products.

• Leads multifunctional teams and projects related to customer, product, and applications development.

• Provide technical content to support creation of processing guides, physical property data sheets and competitive guides for BAYSTAR’s polyethylene resins.

• Prepare and provide written correspondence, technical literature, datasheets, processing and troubleshooting guides to promote BAYSTAR and facilitate meeting the company’s goals and ensure market leadership.

• Actively participate in the MOC process as technical reviewer in product specifications, manufacturing, process and raw material changes.

• Continually monitor the patent and open literature for new developments in the field. Bring new technology and intellectual property to the business to develop new products and/or applications, and improve process efficiency and profitability. Develop new ideas for improved technology that could benefit BAYSTAR by examining current literature, participating in appropriate seminars and maintaining contact with other experts in the area.

• Responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations.

• Other duties as assigned.

CORE VALUES

Must exhibit and demonstrate our 5 Core Values

Caring: Dedicated to Safety, Employees, Customers, Community and Environment

Trustworthy: Living a Culture of Openness, Honesty and Collaboration

Focused: Creating Value by Delivering the Right Solutions

Innovative: Daring to be different by finding New Ways

Fun: Embracing our Diverse Family and Celebrating our Success

COMPETENCIES

• Job Knowledge - Understands facets of job, aware of duties and responsibilities, keep job knowledge current

• Productivity - Manages workload, works efficiently, meets goals and objectives

• Quality - Strives to eliminate errors, accurate work is a priority, seeks opportunities to improve product/services

• Safety – HSSE - Works in a safe manner, uses PPE, recognizes hazards, makes safety suggestions and observations, current on Training Mine

QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• PhD degree and 5 years relevant experience or Bachelor’s degree with 10 years relevant experience in Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or Manufacturing

• Proven expertise on polymers fundamentals, manufacturing, formulations, and markets

• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills

• Superior oral and written communication and relationship-building skills

• Understands and applies concepts of continuous improvement

• Organizational and time management skills

• Strong analytical and risk assessment/management skills

• Change management and conflict management skills

• Proven ability to influence, facilitate, and collaborate

• Adaptable and flexible; ability to work in dynamic, diverse, and multi-cultural environment

• Willingness/ability to travel up to 25% of the time

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE

• 10 years of related experience and continued professional development in polyolefin industry

• 1-5 years of Technical Service and/or Product Development experience in polyolefin industry

• 3 years supervisory experience

PHYSICAL CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS

This position requires the incumbent to:

• Follow safety requirements for the role

• Wear required PPE (eye protection, noise protection, etc.) when inside plant environment, or where directed by signage

• Lift up to 10 pounds

• Walk safely in and around industrial areas

• Work under deadline pressure within an environment that demands attention to safety and detail

• Sit or stand for extended periods of time

• Work at computer for significant periods of time throughout the day