Director of Technical Services

DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL SERVICES

The Director of Technical Services for Austin Powder Company (APC), is the senior leader for our technical blasting services in the U.

S. and Canada and is accountable for the safety mission of the Company. They are an integral part of the APC leadership team and will be responsible for setting the strategy, direction, key metrics, and driving accountability throughout the technical community.

This position will manage a technical team responsible for the continual development and implementation of blasting techniques and technologies, blaster competencies, standard operating procedures and safety guidelines to improve the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of our blasting services.

This position will also lead the development, management, and commercial viability of our APC explosive product lines to support the needs of our customers.

The Director of Technical Services reports directly to the President of Austin Powder Company and will have dotted line responsibility to the LLC / Regional Technical Managers across the US and Canada.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Safety :

• Responsible for developing the strategy aimed at reducing instances of flyrock and misfire events.
• Must be an active leader in our mission to be the world's safest explosives manufacturer and blast services provider.
• Establish, maintain, and drive the safety expectations and goals for all blasting and technical services.
• Ensure systems are in place for systematic identification, investigation, and mitigation of risk.
• Establish, maintain, and drive policies, SOPs, and best practices to facilitate safe, consistent and effective blasting services.
• Monitor and review the status of investigations, or legal proceedings, regarding product complaints, misfires, flyrock, and other blasting incidents to determine root cause and identify corrective actions.

Leadership :

• Represent the capabilities and needs of our technical services as an active member of the APC leadership team.
• Lead by example, and through conscious choices, aligned with our core values of safety as or first priority, being customer focused, treating everyone with respect, and leveraging the power of family.
• Establish agreed upon goals and objectives for direct reports with measurable outcomes and / or key performance indicators.
• Responsible for developing our strategy to continually grow our blasting capabilities and capacities while ensuring we have the talent pool to execute our vision.
• Ensure the company has the talent to execute its strategies by hiring and developing a strong technical team and making succession planning a core business principle.
• Communicate clear and consistent legal and ethical standards and ensure organizational compliance.

Product and Application Technical Support :

• Provide advanced technical guidance to employees and customers to include mine planning, blast design, product selection, post-blast analysis, blast optimization, and other blasting service needs.
• Support manufacturing and commercial objectives through the continual improvement of the quality, performance, and profitability of our explosive products.
• Maintain a high-level understanding of, and proficiency with, our blasting tools, software, and systems to support the developmental and troubleshooting needs of our teams and customers.
• Ensure proper training materials, and programs, are available to support the safe and consistent application of our explosive products, technical tools, and blasting techniques for our blasters and customers.

Competencies, Skills and Knowledge :

• Maintains a consistent, and respectful demeanor, in the face of constant changes and challenges.
• Demonstrates broad knowledge of company products and equipment used in blasting applications and the willingness to continue learning.
• Thinks clearly and systematically while observing, analyzing, interpreting, evaluating, explaining, problem solving and making decisions.
• Is an effective listener who makes knowledge-based decisions with empathy and has a reputation of integrity and building trusted relationships.
• A strong communicator who presents information clearly and concisely and regularly confirms correct interpretation by others of information provided.
• Empowers others through effective delegation, trust, and accountability.
• Must be a self-starter with strong time management and prioritization skills who can organize multiple schedules, events, and meetings efficiently.
• Continually looks to improve performance via development of professional skills and personal growth.
• Strong writing skills to develop clear, concise documents and reports.
• Strong presentation skills to build and deliver effective and engaging interactions with internal and external participants.
• Ability to identify new ideas and transform them into new / improved services that benefit the company.
• Solid financial analytical skills with the ability to budget effectively
• Perceptive enough to recognize trends in our industry and identify strategies to move innovation forward.

Education and Experience

• A completed bachelor's degree preferably in Mining Engineering. Relevant experience in lieu of education may be considered.
• Seasoned performer (10+years), preferably in the service side of mining, quarry or seismic markets

Work Environment

This position requires up to 50% overnight travel which includes a combination of remote work as well as working in office, plant and outdoor elements while traveling.

Location

Must be located within the continental US or Canada within close proximity to a major domestic airport.

Reporting Relationships

• This role will report directly to the President of Austin Powder Company as a member of the corporate leadership team.
• This role will have some direct reports based on the current and future size of the APC Technical Services team.

Austin Powder is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees.

Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Austin Powder also participates in E-Verify.

AUSTIN POWDER's Mission

To improve the world we live in through the safe and responsible use of explosives.

AUSTIN POWDER's Vision

We will be the global leader of explosive products, services and technologies as defined by our Customers, our Family and our Communities.

AUSTIN POWDER's Values

Safety is our 1st priority; WE are customer focused; we leverage the Power of the Family; We treat everyone with respect.

This is an exciting opportunity for a proven leader to celebrate the company's rich history beginning in 1833. This is an unique opportunity to drive future success through continued transformation of key manufacturing processes and lead the sites to best in class performance levels and culture.

Austin Powder is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees.

Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Austin Powder also participates in E-Verify.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and for inquiring about, discussing or disclosing compensation.

Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

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