ART Head Americas INKS

Evonik•Allentown, PA

About The Position

The ART (Applied Research, Technology) Head Americas INKS leads the technical function for the Printing Inks market segment across North and South America. This role is the senior technical authority for customers, key accounts, and internal stakeholders, while also managing and developing a team of ~4 scientists and technicians in our Research & Development lab in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This position sits at the intersection of technical excellence, customer consulting, innovation, and people leadership. The role ensures strong technical representation in the market, effective execution of applied technology and R&D activities, and close alignment with Marketing and Sales to drive profitable growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field required. Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) preferred.
10+ years of relevant industry experience in printing inks or closely related areas such as coatings or coatings raw materials. Exceptional candidates with slightly fewer years but deep technical and market expertise may be considered.
Strong hands-on background in formulation and applied technology, with deep understanding of inks formulation and additive technologies.
Proven experience in customer-facing technical roles, including direct engagement with customers.
Experience leading or contributing to innovation and development projects, translating market needs into technical solutions.
Prior people leadership experience is strongly preferred, though high-potential technical leaders will be considered.
Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, customer-relevant solutions.
Strong project leadership and resource prioritization skills.
Comfort working across functions in a global, matrixed organization.
Strong communication skills, including technical discussions with customers and internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate all Applied Technology (AT) activities for the INKS market segment in the Americas.
Serve as the senior technical expert and customer consultant for the region.
Manage, develop, and mentor a team of scientists and technicians, including succession planning.
Ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations, including ESHQ and budget responsibility.
Allocate technical resources in line with business line and segment strategy.
Act as the technical interface for global key accounts and global INKS initiatives.
Translate market trends, customer needs, and competitive insights into technical concepts and innovation proposals.
Drive and support market-driven innovation projects, including AT and RD&I pipeline execution.
Actively identify, acquire, and realize customer projects and technical opportunities.
Represent the business at customer meetings, trade fairs, conferences, and industry associations.
Enable structured knowledge sharing and collaboration across the global INKS technical community.