IC Development Manager

Beckers is the number one supplier of coil coatings and a leading supplier of industrial paints worldwide. The company is a true pioneer in providing unique, high-performance coating solutions that improve customer competitiveness while protecting people and planet. 

PURPOSE OF ROLE

• To lead, coordinate, and manage the Industrial Coatings Development team in delivering innovative products to the IC markets. This role serves as a technical representative of the Industrial Coatings department in both internal and external forums, contributing to product development discussions and strategic initiatives to meet customer, company and regulatory requirements.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the Industrial Coatings Development team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the development of coatings products tailored to the ACE, or new, markets, ensuring alignment with customer and company requirements and market trends.
• Represent the Industrial Coatings department in internal meetings and external engagements, including customer visits, technical forums, and industry events.
• Manage multiple projects to ensure resource and budget are to expectations with a focus on safety, quality and sustainability within agreed timelines.
• Manage the development team laboratory ensuring it is suitably resourced and equipped to maintain an efficient and safe working environment.
• Manage the development team budget and CAPEX investments.
• Support the professional development of Chemists within the IC development team through mentoring, coaching, and technical guidance.
• Ensure all products meet performance specifications, comply with relevant regulatory and legislative standards, and contribute to the Company’s sustainability targets.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Commercial, Procurement, Operations, Quality and Health and Safety to ensure successful product development and commercialisation.
• Monitor industry developments, emerging technologies, and competitor activity to inform strategic direction and innovation.
• Promote and uphold HSE standards, identifying and addressing unsafe conditions and ensure compliance to the Company Health and Safety policy.

• To role model and promote the Company’s code of conduct, values and culture.

SKILLS

• Strong stakeholder management inclusive of local, global, internal and external parties.
• Strong project management skills progressing new products through a stage gated process through collaboration and cross-functional leadership.
• Strong team performance management through data analysis, such as KPIs.
• Effective resource management including planning, recruitment and business mitigation.
• Effective communications skills across various formats with personnel positioned globally. Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Effective technical writing and reporting to stakeholders of various levels of technical knowledge.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Digital literacy in systems such as Microsoft, LIMS, CRM and ERP, for example.

KNOWLEDGE

• Strong knowledge of coatings chemistry with experience in industrial coatings development, preferred.
• Familiarity with product costing, product management through a Commercial lens and customer-focused mindset.
• Deep understanding of global regulatory and environmental compliance standards such as REACH
• Awareness of sustainability initiatives

BEHAVIOURS

• Strong decision-making skills using objectivity and data-based evidence.
• Demonstrates adaptability in uncertain, changing or difficult situations.
• Demonstrates the ability to resolve conflict and mediate objectively.
• Pragmatic approach to solutions.
• Able to coach and develop the team through constructive feedback to lead and motivate.
• Demonstrate consistency in values and expected behaviours in line with Company values.

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a science-based subject.
• Extensive experience in research and development of new products, within the coatings industry.
• Familiar with working with global regulatory and environmental compliance standards such as REACH
• Demonstrated performance management of a team managing multiple projects with successful outcomes with experience in developing and mentoring technical staff.
• Extensive experience in technical analytical problem-solving driving improvements.
• Budget management and cost control.
• Management of HSE requirements within a laboratory and manufacturing environment.
• Experience working in a matrixed or global organization is an advantage.

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