The successful candidate will be a recognized technical expert with extensive experience in polymer-based ion exchange and water purification resins. Leveraging deep knowledge of ion exchange products and manufacturing processes, they will support and optimize operations across five global production facilities, driving continuous improvements in product quality, batch-to-batch consistency, productivity, cost efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
This role requires strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional projects and collaborate effectively across departments to translate technical expertise into practical, sustainable business results.
As a key member of the global manufacturing organization, the individual will provide technical leadership and functional support to site process engineers while partnering closely with Supply Chain, RD&E, Marketing, and Sales teams. They will facilitate the successful transfer of technologies and products, enhance customer experience, and evaluate manufacturing capabilities and processes for new products and market opportunities.
The ideal candidate will possess advanced proficiency in process improvement methodologies, including Six Sigma, Statistical Process Control (SPC), data analytics, and control charting. They will be skilled at transforming data-driven insights into measurable, sustainable improvements within manufacturing operations.
Reporting to the Manufacturing Director, this individual will work closely with Production, Quality, Engineering, Marketing, Sales, and RD&E teams to align on business priorities, establish objectives, and deliver impactful process improvements across a global 24/7 manufacturing network.
Success in this role will require strong networking and relationship-building capabilities, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with teams and stakeholders across North America, Europe, and Asia.
What You Will Do
- Deliver measurable results from strategic improvement initiatives and priorities aligned with the Manufacturing Director's objectives.
- Provide technical leadership and expertise to:
- Resolve complex manufacturing and process challenges across global production sites.
- Assess the feasibility of new products, market opportunities, and manufacturing technologies.
- Serve as the primary technical liaison for Marketing and RD&E in evaluating the scalability and commercial viability of new products and innovations.
- Support process development and the successful startup of new production lines and equipment.
- Drive improvements in process control, product quality, operational efficiency, and cost performance.
- Collaborate closely with RD&E to ensure the seamless introduction and commercialization of new products and manufacturing technologies.
- Develop organizational capability by training, coaching, and mentoring site teams in process improvement methodologies, process chemistry, Six Sigma principles, Statistical Process Control (SPC), and data-driven decision making.
- Partner with commercial and operational teams to understand customer requirements and ensure manufacturing processes consistently meet or exceed expectations.
- Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to safety, ensuring that all actions, decisions, and behaviours reinforce a safety-first culture.
- Act as an active member of the Global Manufacturing Leadership Team, contributing to the achievement of operational goals and customer satisfaction across all manufacturing sites.
- Collaborate with Site Directors and the Engineering Director to foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and manufacturing excellence throughout the organization.
- Build strong relationships and effectively collaborate with stakeholders across manufacturing, engineering, quality, supply chain, sales, marketing, and RD&E functions globally.
Reporting & Documentation
- Develop, monitor, and communicate key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress against operational and improvement objectives.
- Prepare regular status updates and weekly reports on improvement initiatives, project milestones, and business impact.
- Support the development and execution of site OGSMs (Objectives, Goals, Strategies, and Measures) and actively participate in Project Days and operational review meetings.
- Ensure accurate documentation of process improvements, technical evaluations, project outcomes, and best practices to facilitate knowledge sharing across the global manufacturing network.
Your profile
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
- 5-15 years of experience with ion exchange resins, polymer resins, and water purification technologies, supported by demonstrated technical expertise in these areas.
- Strong technical knowledge of polymerization processes, cross-linking chemistry, polymer functionalization, pendant group chemistry, and broader chemical manufacturing operations.
- Experience with process safety, regulatory compliance, quality systems, and quality control methodologies within a chemical manufacturing environment.
- Proven track record of leading and implementing process optimization and continuous improvement initiatives in chemical production facilities.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities, with the ability to address complex technical and operational challenges.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate with cross-functional and global teams, translating technical expertise into practical, value-driven business outcomes.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage audiences at all organizational levels.
- Experience working in an international manufacturing environment and collaborating across multiple regions, cultures, and functions is highly desirable.
- Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory.
- Ability to travel up to 50% globally to support manufacturing sites, lead improvement initiatives, and collaborate with cross-functional teams across North America, Europe, and Asia.
- Six Sigma Green Belt certification required; Black Belt certification strongly preferred.
What’s In It For You
- Working in a dynamic and international company, where entrepreneurship, innovation, personal relationships, collaboration, and customer service are top priorities.
- The ability to make an impact and shape your career with a company that is passionate about growth.
- The support of an organization that believes it is vital to include and engage diverse people, perspectives and ideas to achieve our best.
- Competitive salary package that includes fixed and variable components, excellent benefits.
- Flexible and independent work environment where you will plan your own schedule.
Our Commitment to a Culture of Inclusion & Belonging
Ecolab is committed to fair and equal treatment of associates and applicants and furthering the principles of Equal Opportunity to Employment. We will recruit, hire, promote, transfer and provide opportunities for advancement based on individual qualifications and job performance in all matters affecting employment, compensation, benefits, working conditions, and opportunities for advancement. Ecolab will not discriminate against any associate or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, creed, national origin,citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions, genetic information, marital status, age, or disability.
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