R&D Manager in Bracknell

Tasked with leading the Heavy-Duty Engine Oil (HDEO) R&D team, a group of chemists and engineers in the development of enabling chemistry, new products, and performance testing to meet the needs of customers and OEMs consistent with our business strategy. Responsible for building future, in-depth, fundamental understanding in the HDEO space which we see as key technology drivers for future business.

This individual will be tasked with initiating new projects and aligning current research projects with future New Product Development (NPD) projects supporting the Engine Oils Product and Technology Roadmaps. Supervise team member activities and progress, conduct performance appraisals, discuss training and career development needs, recruit and retain team members, and resolve problems and disciplinary issues. Consult with R&D Director and HR as appropriate.

Liaise with Afton’s Technology Development Team, overseeing the development of new components (as necessary) and other joint research activities. Provide technical leadership to help team members arrive at the best solution for the business. Ensure effective use of Afton’s Product Development Process (APDP). Develop new analytical and test methods to characterize products and enable manufacturing capability (as necessary).

Can translate internal and external (customer) Marketing plans into actionable and efficient NPD and research plans. Oversee and ensure development, implementation and monitoring of a comprehensive safety program in assigned area. Areas of accountability include documentation of safety activities, monthly safety meetings, interactive safety inspections, group safety observation programs, safety training, JSA development, active reporting and corrective action programs.

Ensure complete ISO documentation is maintained on all ISO or Quality related activities. Participate in ISO/Quality related activities and maintain an up-to-date understanding of the ISO/Quality function. Prepare reports, presentations, monthly highlights and other communications concerning results of laboratory tests or product development progress including next steps and impact on key business initiatives.

Facilitate, coordinate, and communicate between cross-functional groups – Business, Strategy, Marketing, Customer Technical Service (CTS), Process Development, and Senior Management on team activities. Facilitate, assess, and coordinate IP activities including competitor analysis, portfolio reviews and generation of IP. Ensure freedom to practice developed products & solutions. Represent Afton in industry committees/technical societies/conferences or other meetings.

Provide input to and manage the R&D budget. Ensure communication of all scheduling, prioritization, and resourcing decisions to key stakeholders.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Advanced degree in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry or Mechanical / Chemical Engineering. MBA or PHD.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Decision Making: Decision making in a timely manner based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment; sometimes with incomplete information, under tight deadlines and pressure, while based upon appropriate risk and authority.
• Business Insight: The understanding of the basis for our business model and how that is realized in the market. The understanding of how business and operations are intimately linked.
• Analysis and Problem Solving: Solves difficult problems with effective solutions; asks good questions and questions all likely sources for answers; can solve complex problems and recognize complex patterns.
• Communication: The ability to communicate information clearly and effectively in an engaging and convincing manner.
• Coaching: The ability to provide the structure, environment and support for teaching, training and development of individuals and teams.
• Managing Performance: Possessing the drive and focus on achieving challenging goals.
• Collaboration and Networking: The ability to work in and across Afton's organizational matrix to achieve business objectives.
• Project Management: The ability to manage tasks and activities and achieve their completion within the agreed framework.
• Innovation: The openness to new ideas and the ability to generate breakthrough solutions.
• Dealing with Uncertainty: Can effectively cope with change; can shift gears comfortably; can decide and act without having the total picture.
• Organizational Development: The ability to assess, analyse and implement changes to improve the overall performance and impact of the group/organization.
• Personnel Management: Success in focusing, aligning, and building effective groups.
• Strategic Insight, Definition and Implementation: The ability to engage in broad, complex analytical and conceptual thinking.
• Operational and Business Processes: Planning skills through the annual and LRP cycles, using preferred tools and frameworks.
• Leadership: The ability to form a vision for the organization and the capacity to transform and align the organization around the new goal(s).