R&D Grease Technology Manager

MOVING YOUR WORLD by focusing on your success:


FUCHS offers a challenging and rewarding working environment where employees are encouraged to develop and grow. We stand behind our core values:
trust, creating value, respect, reliability, and integrity. Ours is a culture that fosters creativity and empowerment, values work/life balance, and gives you the freedom to excel. At FUCHS we aim to nurture your capabilities, ideas and career.

Salary:


FUCHS offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience in a similar position. The salary range for this position is $150,000 - $175,000 per year, but actual salary will vary depending upon a new hire's experience and qualifications as well as internal equity.

Your areas of responsibility:


Accountabilities and objectives will include:

• Facilitate regional innovation by effectively integrating key insights and collaborating with the Regional Research, Development & Innovation (RD&I) department, as well as other technical groups across the Americas and globally.
• Collaborate with Product Management to develop and sustain a pipeline of new product initiatives that align with Business Plans, Global R&D, and Global Product Management strategies.
• Engage in regional and global collaboration within a high-performance, results-driven environment, fostering a culture of discovery, curiosity, and continuous learning.
• Lead by example by demonstrating Fuchs's core values every day, i.e., trust, creating value, respect, reliability, and integrity.
• Collaborate cross functionally to support the company's profitability though its sales, manufacturing, marketing, product development, and general management functions.
• Lead and mentor a team of scientists, chemists, and engineers, managing projects from concept to commercialization, and ensuring that new and existing products meet industry standards and customer requirements
• Drive the formulation and development of new lubricating greases, focusing on performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact.
• Oversee the optimization of existing lubricant formulations to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and meet evolving industry standards.
• Supervise experimental research, product testing, and validation in laboratory and real-world conditions.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies, materials, and processes that can enhance product performance and market competitiveness.
• Contribute to and implement the strategic R&D roadmap aligned with the company's long-term goals and market trends.
• Monitor industry trends, competitor products, and regulatory changes to guide R&D efforts.
• Ensure that all products meet quality standards and comply with relevant industry regulations and environmental guidelines.
• Work closely with the quality assurance team to develop testing protocols and quality control processes.
• Provide technical support and expertise to customers and sales teams, including troubleshooting and product application guidance.
• Participate in customer visits, presentations, and industry conferences to represent the company's technical capabilities.
• Create affiliations, participate in consortia, engage in global Key Working Groups, as required to support the product development, launch, and ensure the on-going success of the product pipeline.
• Keep abreast of industry trends and customer needs to align R&D priorities with business goals. Interact with customers to demonstrate the company's commitment to technical excellence and customer intimacy.
• Promote a teamwork culture where people are treated fairly and honestly at all levels and recognized for their impact.
• Support a learning culture that builds organizational knowledge and sustainable platforms through mentoring and training.
• Contribute to budget management and resource allocations to achieve both short- and long-term goals, including capital expenditures to enhance the company's technical capabilities.

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science or a related field. A Master's or Ph.D. is preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in R&D within the chemical or lubricants industry, with at least 3 years in a managerial role with direct reports.
• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to inspire and drive innovation.
• In-depth knowledge of grease formulations, testing methods, manufacturing processes, and industry standards.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and project management skills.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and environmental standards related to lubricants.
• Proven track record of successful product development and commercialization.
• Experience in lubricant technologies and tribological characterization is a plus.
• Strong problem solving, interpersonal, teamwork, and communication skills.
• Must be proficient with computers and Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook).
• Experience in product development and product modifications is preferred.
• Experience working in an ISO 9001/ IATF 16949 environment strongly preferred.
• Effective communication, presentation and data analysis skills with an ability to effectively connect with team members across diverse groups with different disciplines and varying degrees of skillsets.
• Sound judgment in handling unanticipated situations with an entrepreneurial attitude.