Technology Director

Job Summary

The Director of Technology provides leadership in strategic technology and organization development. This individual is responsible for the technical competitiveness of the industry and is responsible for the Technology footprint of the business.

This position is critical to formulating the technical response to new business opportunities, supporting profitable growth, and directing technical services to support the current customer base.

The Director of Technology partners with business leaders to develop current markets and establish new ones through management of a robust portfolio of existing and potential offerings.

This individual is a thought leader who performs independently and has demonstrated the ability to effectively interact and influence all levels of the organization (Avient and Customer) including the VP / GM level.

Essential Functions

• Innovation and Profitable Growth :
• Drives profitable growth in key market segments through Voice of the Customer and Phased Offering Launch processes.
• Supports market development programs for new markets and / or the penetration of existing markets.
• Conducts market research and analysis to track future marketplace trends, customer needs, competitive data, as well as product / service performance and acceptability.
• Continuously evaluate emerging technologies from start-ups and academia.
• Asses and initiate key third party partnerships to accelerate development of technology / competencies.
• Initiate appropriate joint-development agreements with strategic customer suppliers.
• Owns key linkage between customer, business, and technology.
• Manage a team of scientists, engineers, and technicians within the scope given below :
• Provide technical leadership through mentoring, training, and coaching to balance short-term product customization and mid-term product development.
• Define, approve, and guide R&D projects to drive formulation development of specialty polymer compounds.
• Effectively network with other technical and marketing teams within Avient to generate and exploit new ideas and opportunities.
• Lead the team to support marketing & sales through development of product and application data, as well as support manufacturing to establish quality and testing conditions for new materials.
• Lead the development of new product platforms to support the industry’s vision.
• Manage Stage and Gate Phased Offering Launch for bringing products from development to commercialization, as well as modifications or design changes in existing product lines.
• Manage Intellectual Property Portfolio in order to protect Avient development and research.
• Participate in and help drive the development of the marketing strategy.
• Partner with Product Management / Marketing in order to maintain current technology base with highest performance / cost ratio.
• Advocate a strong safety and performance culture and attitude within the team.
• Plan, direct, and coordinate product development functions independently.
• Takes customer and market trends, feedback, and opportunities to create technology focus and support Avient growth initiatives.
• Modify existing formulation without compromising existing properties.
• Formulate compounds to meet customers’ requirements with respect to mechanical properties, electrical properties, flame resistance, UV.
• Ensure the successful commercialization of market-driven products / technology.
• Maintain and protect all formulations developed, as well as all formulations transferred from other Avient sites.
• Coordinate with Process / Product Translation / Production Department for production scale-up
• Assist the Process / Product Translation / Production Department for process trouble-shooting and process improvements where necessary.
• Coordinate with other Avient sites for technology transfers where necessary.
• Understand and select appropriate raw materials including base resin, fillers, flame retardants, stabilizers, lubricants, etc.

to achieve the required compound properties and applications.

• Source new raw materials for product development purposes.
• Plan raw material cost saving programs through collaboration with Purchasing, Product, Production and Sales Departments where appropriate.
• Partner effectively with product stewardship and testing requirements.
• Drives measurement and tracking of market trends and competitive activities including market size, market share, and competitive strengths and weaknesses.
• Creates marketing oriented sales tools, case studies, literature, press releases, webinars, advertising, brand awareness, trade shows, etc.
• Develops and coordinates promotions, technical presentations, and advertising / digital campaigns through Corporate Marketing Communications.
• Responsible for communicating marketing activities to functional areas to ensure smooth transition of strategy to action.
• Implements market segment value-based pricing and profitability targets.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in science or engineering field, preferably Masters or PhD.
• 10+ years' experience leading technology or business team.
• 5+ years' experience in customer relationship development.
• Strong analytical and multi-tasking skills.
• Demonstrated influencing skills.
• Advanced knowledge of the following software applications : Microsoft Office, including Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Outlook.

Qualifications

• Build a technology organization to enable growth in the composites market.
• Lead strategic growth programs.
• Establish presence and influence in strategic market organizations and customers.
• Support business strategy development and execution.
• Develop innovative solutions that position Avient as the leading specialty solutions provider for customers.
• Partner internally and externally to innovate new technology and penetrate strategic markets to solve customer problems.
• Create value for customer through value-added services such as tool design and mold flow analysis and optimization of processes and manufacturability.

Competencies

Each position at Avient focuses on eight Core Competencies as a Leader of Self. Additionally, management positions focus on Leadership Competencies as a Leader of Others and / or a Leader of the Business.

These competencies are designed to drive behavior that will ultimately help our associates excel at their current roles, while supporting individual and career development.

Environmental, Health, Safety, & Security (EHS&S) Requirements

Avient integrates EHS&S into all aspects of our operations. Each position at Avient is responsible for complying with all applicable EHS&S requirements.

Additionally, employees and management are responsible for reporting all EHS&S incidents immediately to ensure we keep EHS&S a priority within the organization.

Security includes physical security and cyber security.

Who We Are

Avient Corporation provides specialized and sustainable material solutions that transform customer challenges into opportunities, bringing new products to life for a better world. Examples include :

• Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™, enables unmatched levels of performance and protection for end-use applications, including ballistic personal protection, marine and sustainable infrastructure and outdoor sports
• Unique technologies that improve the recyclability of products and enable recycled content to be incorporated, thus advancing a more circular economy
• Light-weighting solutions that replace heavier traditional materials like metal, glass and wood, which can improve fuel efficiency in all modes of transportation and reduce carbon footprint
• Sustainable infrastructure solutions that increase energy efficiency, renewable energy, natural resource conservation and fiber optic / 5G network accessibility

Why Avient

Avient Corporation is a world-class sustainable organization built on innovation, collaboration, and employee development.

We are committed to providing a supportive and dynamic work environment where our diverse associates can grow and succeed, as well positively impacting our planet and the communities we serve.

Our Great Place to Work culture, values, and benefits make Avient an employer of choice for top talent.

At Avient, we believe diversity of ideas and backgrounds gives us the creativity to be successful in a rapidly changing world.

In support of this, we stress equality of opportunity for all qualified individuals in accordance with applicable laws. Decisions on hiring, promotion, development, compensation or advancement are based solely on a person’s qualifications, abilities, experience and performance.

Avient Corporation is a drug free workplace. Avient is an equal opportunity employer. We maintain a policy of non-discrimination in providing equal employment to all qualified employees and candidates regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran’s status, or other legally protected classification in accordance with applicable federal, state and local law.