Director, Process Technology--Continues Thermoplastics

Sika•Sealy, TX

3d•Remote

About The Position

The Director of Engineering, Thermoplastics manages strategic engineering and construction activities for large, complex capital projects valued at $50 million or more involving continuous manufacturing processes and production sites. This multifunctional role oversees strategic manufacturing engineering projects, automation, and process innovations across the United States. The director is accountable for projects from initiation through completion, including project and engineering scope, design, construction management, and delivery against budget, schedule, and quality goals. The role also provides engineering leadership, mentorship, and support to projects, teams, and direct reports. The position develops engineering and project objectives, plans, and budgets aligned with company strategy, including projects for new production plants, production lines, and process upgrades. It contributes to masterplans and strategic decisions affecting engineering and manufacturing, provides technical stewardship, and drives quality standards through engineering solutions that deliver sustainable long-term value. The director leads industrial planning and design, including process optimization; directs internal and external resources to deliver on schedule and within budget; and monitors and reports progress and performance. The role builds relationships across project teams and coordinates with stakeholders, customers, and third-party representatives. It also guides project teams in achieving critical goals, leads project risk assessments and test-plan development, and works with EH&S experts to ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements, including obtaining applicable permits. The preferred location is Sealy, Texas, or near a Sika site, although the position may be remote. Domestic travel is required.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline; Chemical, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.
At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in chemical manufacturing, including experience with automation and control systems.
Proven experience managing engineering activities in chemical process plants.
Experience in industrial planning and design, including process optimization.
Knowledge of OSHA regulations and guidelines, and ability to prepare and maintain required documentation.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is required.
Proficiency in project leadership and methodology, including budgeting, cost/benefit analysis, process design and validation, risk management, and change management.
Hands-on problem-solving and organizational skills, including analyzing complex problems, identifying technical and business risks, and leading teams to develop options.
Ability to drive decisions and present proposals effectively to senior management and plant personnel.
Ability to balance technical proficiency with business perspectives.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills for working across functions and with suppliers toward common goals.
Management experience training, directing, and motivating others.
Familiarity with project-management software such as MS Project or Smartsheet; design and process-flow software such as AutoCAD or Visio; and statistical-analysis software such as Minitab or SigmaZone.
Ability to travel domestically.

Nice To Haves

Chemical-manufacturing experience involving construction chemicals such as concrete polymers, cementitious systems, coatings, adhesives, or membranes.
Six Sigma certification.
SAP knowledge.
Preferred work location in Sealy, Texas, or in proximity to a Sika site.

Responsibilities

Develop engineering and project objectives, plans, and budgets aligned with company strategy for new production plants, production lines, and process upgrades.
Contribute to masterplans and make strategic decisions affecting engineering and manufacturing areas of responsibility.
Provide technical stewardship of engineering activities and drive product and process quality through effective, sustainable engineering solutions.
Present proposals and support decisions with senior management and plant personnel, balancing technical and business perspectives.
Lead industrial planning and design, including process optimization.
Direct internal and external resources to deliver project outputs on schedule and within budget; monitor and report progress and performance.
Coordinate technical work with project stakeholders, customers, and third-party representatives, and build trusting project-team relationships.
Empower project teams to meet critical goals.
Conduct project risk assessments and identify special project requirements.
Develop and execute test plans to validate compliance with project requirements.
Work with EH&S experts to ensure compliance with company policies and regulations, including obtaining applicable permits.
Manage engineering and construction projects from initiation through completion, including scope, design, construction management, budget, schedule, and quality.
Mentor projects, teams, and direct reports.