Position description:

Purpose of the role:

• To conduct Research Projects in Advanced Refractories Monolithic products as well as leading R&D laboratory operations, ensuring the continuous improvement and performance of company’s portfolio products and delivering support to R&D teams that use analytical laboratory resources.
• This role involves taking in charge research projects to reinforce R&D’s footprint in the region, in relation with regional Marketing & Technology teams; and overseeing the laboratory analytical team including laboratory equipment at disposition. The position acts as a first point of contact for technical expertise requested by stakeholders, and to ensure smooth collaboration between R&D teams and other stakeholders.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead research projects based on market requirements and trends, ensuring alignment with Regional and Global R&D objectives.
• Manage and document assigned projects, escalating bottlenecks and ensuring timely resolution.
• Identify, propose, and manage continuous improvement initiatives, including recipe formulations and raw material substitutions.
• Support new product introductions from pre-launch to handover to regional teams, ensuring product performance and quality.
• Provide technical expertise for customer trials, audits, and field activities to build and maintain a reputation for problem-solving and innovation.
• Oversee laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, safety compliance, and team management (2 Chemists Analysts and Lab Technicians).

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Material Science, Chemistry, or a relevant engineering field.
• 3-5 years of experience in R&D, steelmaking, ironmaking, refractory manufacturing, or related fields.
• Strong knowledge of ceramics, refractories, liquid metal processes, thermo-mechanical modeling.
• Confidence in customer interactions, running trials, and training technical/sales teams.
• Proven experience in managing complex stakeholder relationships and leading teams in a laboratory or technical environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to innovate and adapt to new technical concepts.

Top 6 Competencies

1. Technical/Functional Skills
2. Problem Solving
3. Planning & Managing Multiple Priorities
4. Drive for Results
5. Customer Focus
6. Managerial Courage

Performance Standards

• Delivery of New Products Introduction projects and on-site application support initiatives on time and within budget.
• Effective resolution of customer complaints and high-quality field activities.
• Reliability and performance of R&D equipment and laboratory operations.
• Team leadership effectiveness, including human resources management and support for R&D engineers.
• Compliance with safety audits and continuous improvement in test methods and processes.

We offer:

• Attractive compensation
• Private medical health care
• Lunch card
• Holiday allowance
• Internal referral program
• International work environment
• Creative atmosphere and great people