Our client is a highly innovative manufacturer of lubricants for the automotive and industrial sectors and now is looking for the Head of Technical R&D who will be:
- Leading the research and development activities in order to maintain the organisations competitive position and profitability.
- Being responsible for the day-to-day running of the laboratory and lead product development, ensuring formulas are both effective in terms of performance and cost.
- Working in collaboration with Marketing and Supply Chain to identify and satisfy product development requirements, as well as forecasting market trends and developments and identifying future opportunities, dealing with any technical issues in accordance with UK and International sales, technical strategy and plans.
Position
- Support sales with all technical data and guidance in line with company strategy and policy
- Submitting monthly statistics of department activity i.e. samples processed calls handled, company visits etc
- The process of friction testing, oil analysis and sampling
- Identifying, obtaining and maintaining OEM approval certification
- Working in collaboration with the marketing team to deliver training to employees and where necessary, customers.
- Maintenance of technical training records for customers
- Liaising with enthusiast clubs as necessary
- Supporting sales and customers at events within the UK and Overseas where necessary
- Assisting the sales and marketing team – through support visits
- Ensure that the department helplines are manned throughout the normal working day wherever possible
- Responsible for ensuring samples and technical enquiries are processed in a timely manner at the satisfaction of the sales force and customers
- Undertake any tasks that may be reasonably requested by the Managing Director – approach these tasks in an enthusiastic and proactive manner
Qualifications, Skills & Experience
Thorough knowledge of the lubricants industry across all market sectors – industrial, engineering, commercial vehicles, retail, motorsport and classic.
Competencies
- Excellent leadership skills, team player with the ability to motivate others
- Strong interpersonal skills; able to build rapport and maintain relationships both internally and externally
- Ability to build trust and demonstrate resilience to achieve goals
- Analytical mind-set: able to identify trends, understand root causes and solve problems
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Good time management skills, able to prioritise and work to deadlines
- Flexible approach to work, demonstrating a ‘can do attitude’
