VP of Technology

The VP of Technology is responsible for leadership and management of the Research & Development and Quality Control functions at Dixie Chemical. Responsible for oversight of research program and quality program including budgets and timelines.

Summary of Essential Job Functions

• Foster growth of Dixie’s product lines by initiating and leading necessary research & development work to ready products for market implementation.
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration with other functions within the organization to facilitate positive outcomes.
• Participate with the organization’s leadership to develop goals, strategic direction, financial plans and future vision.
• Create an environment that encourages collaboration and flow of ideas to grow the business.
• Work closely with Engineering. EHS&Q, Sales, and Business Development to mitigate risk and to ensure customer requirements are met.
• Work closely with external customers to identify opportunities and with technology partners to identify value add solutions.
• Maintain a strong network of industry contacts; continually seek competitive intelligence. Actively participate in relevant industry meetings and conferences.
• Identify target products and technologies
• Directs and implements research and development policies, objectives, and initiatives. 
• Consults with top management and research and development team and makes recommendations based on research findings and product performance. 
• Identify synergies R&D and QC and process optimization opportunities in the overall management of these functions 
• Conduct inspections and audits related as assigned, participating in Hazard Reviews as needed, 
• Recommending safety improvements, completion of safety action items as assigned, completing required regulatory training, and compliance with all applicable regulations.

Requirements

• PhD Degree in a relevant scientific discipline and 5 plus years in a management role
• A broad understanding of chemical processes, production and chemistries. 
• Customer driven – responsive, proactive and customer service mindset. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams to successful project completion. 
• Past success simultaneously managing and executing on multiple projects.
• Ability to work independently, self starter, self organizer.
• Demonstrated creative problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, communication skills, and employee relations skills. 

Physical Demands & Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. This job may require the following: walking primarily on a level surface throughout the day; occasional climbing up ladders on tanks & tank trailers; operating forklift; moving drums and pallets when needed; reaching above shoulder heights and below the waist to lift as required to file documents or store materials throughout the workday; and lift up to 50 pounds on occasion. Proper lifting techniques are required.

Primary environment: Inside working area - ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment. May occasionally require exposure to the manufacturing areas where under certain areas require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields, hard hat, steel-toed shoes and mandatory hearing protection. 

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed