PP Catalyst Research and Development Scientist

Company:

Interested in joining a winning team? A team whose employees are empowered to make a difference?

Grade: Hay 35-36 commensurate with experience

Organizational context and job purpose

Organizational Context:

INEOS is a global manufacturer of petrochemicals, speciality chemicals and oil products.  It comprises 18 businesses each with a major chemical company heritage.  Its production network spans 67 sites in 16 countries throughout the world.  The INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA business is a major participant in the North American chemical industry, with an annual manufacturing capacity of 9.6 billion pounds of petrochemicals.  Manufacturing sites include Chocolate Bayou Works (Alvin, TX), Battleground Manufacturing Complex (La Porte, TX), and Carson (Carson, CA), with a corporate office in League City, TX.

The 300-acre INEOS Battleground Manufacturing Complex (BMC) was originally built in 1956 and is located on the Houston ship channel east of Houston, Texas.  Currently, BMC produces both high-density polyethylene and polypropylene.  The polypropylene line has a capacity of approximately 320 million pounds per year, and the seven polyethylene lines have a combined capacity of approximately 3 billion pounds per year.  The BMC site has a state-of-the-art technical center which integrates research and development, technical services and quality assurance. 

Purpose of the job:

The PP Catalyst R&D Scientist reports to the PP Catalyst Development Manager in the Technical Services and Product Development Department and is part of the Technology Group.  The PP Catalyst R&D Scientist will lead projects directed towards developing and supporting technology for the advancement of new heterogeneous catalysts and process technology for the manufacture of polypropylene.  The primary responsibility is the design and coordination of programs to deliver technical solutions which provide a basis for competitive advantage for both sustaining and growth strategies contributing to the value generation of the PP catalyst platform. This would include leading and executing research programs to identify, prioritize, develop technology programs and ensure and support their commercial implementation.  In addition, this would include responsibilities in managing laboratory and pilot plant assets for preparing and characterizing catalysts as well as evaluation of catalyst performance in bench-scale equipment. The successful candidate must demonstrate flexibility in job requirements and assignments, and possess a commitment to continuous improvement in their own competencies as well as the development of the team both as a whole and as individuals.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Strategy and Technology Leadership

• Influence strategic framework by providing technological direction through the championing of value-driven technical initiatives in support of the polypropylene catalyst-platform strategy.
• Identify, prioritize, develop, and implement technology-development programs to deliver a sustainable competitive advantage. 
• Maintain and renew a portfolio of technical projects which reflect the catalyst-technology strategy.
• Develop robust value propositions in support of technical priorities and projects. 
• Ensure continuing alignment of project portfolio with business priorities through updating progress and tactical changes and establishing meaningful milestones with commercial impact

Technical Excellence

• Anticipate and implement technical programs to address technology opportunities and gaps.
• Effectively and efficiently leverage utilization of global assets to deliver value-added projects in a timely fashion.
• Drive strong competitive intelligence and internal intellectual-property-position strategies for the delivery of long-term, sustainable growth.
• Maximize global resources to optimize organizational effectiveness
• Ensure a reliable and consistent catalyst supply by proactively supporting catalyst-manufacturing improvements and the implementation of new catalyst technologies.
• Provide timely customer technical support, as needed, to maximize the value of Ineos Technology’s service and product offerings.
• Proactively review current patent publication and other industry news to ensure competitive development.

People Leadership and Development

• Build an exceptional PP catalyst-technology team organized to deliver value in both the current and future business and technology environments.
• Develop empowered and motivated project leaders to execute Catalyst R&D activities to maximize value. 
• Communicate openly with team members and team leaders on all work-related issues.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills and can coordinate/supervise work plans.
• Provide reports and associated team members with development opportunities that enrich individuals while delivering bottom-line value to the business. 
• Foster a creative and motivated team culture which recognizes and rewards successes and effectively coaches for continuous improvement of individual performances.

Safe and Effective Work Environment

• As asset manager of the BMC Catalyst Labs, ensure compliance with laws, regulations, standards, and best practices for safe operation of the lab, including the INEOS 20 principles. 
• Maintains laboratory infrastructure including construction and modification of bench-scale pilot plants.
• Ensure laboratory operations deliver results efficiently, safely, and of high quality.
• Foster and ensure safe working culture and practices are defined and adhered to across technology and research activities with own team and in our collaborative groups.
• Complies with safety policies, laws, regulations, standards, and best practices for safe operation of the lab, including the INEOS 20 principles.

Skills & Knowledge Required

Education/Experience

REQUIRED

• Advanced degree in chemistry or associated discipline.
• 5? years industrial experience leading and implementing technical-development programs, preferably involving catalyst development and commercialization.
• Strong track record of technical contributions with impact
• Leadership  Successful experience in project management.
• Comfort and competency in commercial operations and engineering requirements.
• High level of competency required in the design and implementation of experimental plans to deliver technical solutions of commercial relevance.
• Familiar with basic process control, instrumentation, and analytical equipment and procedures.
• Familiarity with safe and effective handling of highly reactive, air-, and moisture-sensitive compounds and best-practice methodologies thereof – including experience in the selection and use of personal protective equipment.
• Experience following safety procedures, including required OSHA standards.

PREFERRED

• PhD in Chemistry
• 10+ years industrial experience leading and implementing technical-development programs, preferably involving catalyst development and commercialization.
• Technology acumen in process chemistry and scale-up, material science, and polymer fabrication.
• Understanding of the PP catalyst competitive landscape and basis for competition.
• Computer Skills:  E-mail, SAP, Word, Excel and PowerPoint experience preferred.

Our culture is one of honesty and integrity with an emphasis on safety, health and environmental performance.On our team, people are acknowledged for embracing new practices that help create real value for customers.