Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow’s breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people’s lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken’s curious minds and inspired solutions at Milliken.com and on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter .
Position Summary:
Milliken’s Coating Additives business is seeking an EU Technical Manager (m/w/d) to lead product
development and technical service in Europe, based in Langenfeld, Germany. This individual will lead a team
of researchers and technicians to develop new products from concept to launch, while also leading a
technical service team that addresses pre-and post-sales support for our European customers. This role will
report directly to the Global Technical Director, and he / she will engage closely with marketing, product
management and sales functions to ensure strategic alignment and drive overall business performance.
Key Responsibilities:
• Management of the EU R&D and Technical Service teams in alignment with overall strategy and
objectives set by Global Technical Director
• Oversight of R&D and technical service project portfolios with accountability for on-time and inscope
project completion.
• Oversight of the stage and gate process to ensure that all projects are managed according to
standard work processes with prescribed meeting cadence and use of corporate technology
platforms and electronic lab notebooks.
• Establish team objectives, optimize team performance, and develop associate skills by setting
goals, providing feedback, training, mentoring, and leading by example.
• Supervise international contacts with customers and suppliers at technical level. Good
organization and communication skills in managing and coordinating R&D projects in a timely
fashion from concept generation to plant production. Will need to communicate with other Milliken
sites globally to coordinate tasks.
• Responsible for driving Milliken EH&S processes and continuous improvement with all on-site
technical associates. Create and maintain and maintain standard operating procedures.
• Responsible for existing lab equipment as well as specification and installation of new equipment.
• Maintain awareness of the latest techniques and formulations/raw materials to support project
development.
• Document work in lab memos or reports as well as monthly updates to management.
• Present at tradeshows and conferences
• Must be willing to travel as job requires, including overseas. Estimated 30% maximum travel.
Qualifications:
Experienced technical leader with a strong scientific background and experience in coatings industry.
• MSc or PhD degree in chemistry, or comparable industrial experience
• Minimum of 10 years work experience in coatings, adhesives, sealants or elastomers industry
• Minimum of 5 years of technical leadership experience
• Must be fluent in English. German language skills are also preferred.
Milliken is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, including but not limited to lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.