Director, Process Technology--Continues Thermoplastics

Sika AG•Sealy, TX

4d•$138,000 - $150,000•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 manages 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 leadership and mentorship to projects, teams, and direct reports. The position develops engineering and project objectives, plans, and budgets aligned with company strategy, including projects such as new production plants, production lines, and process upgrades. It contributes to master planning and strategic decisions affecting engineering and manufacturing, provides technical stewardship, and advances product and process quality through effective engineering solutions that deliver sustainable long-term value. The role directs internal and external resources, monitors project performance, coordinates with stakeholders and third parties, and empowers teams to meet project goals. The director conducts project risk assessments, identifies special requirements, and develops and executes test plans to validate compliance. In coordination with EH&S experts, the role ensures projects meet company policies and regulatory requirements and obtains applicable permits. The position may be remote, with a preferred location of Sealy, Texas, or near a Sika site, and requires domestic travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Industrial, or Mechanical preferred) or a related technical discipline.
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.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification required.
Knowledge of OSHA regulations and guidelines and ability to prepare and maintain required documentation.
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 the ability to analyze complex problems, identify technical and business risks, and lead teams in finding constructive options.
Ability to balance technical proficiency with business perspectives and to communicate proposals effectively to senior management and plant personnel.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills to work with Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, Procurement, Marketing, Sales, and suppliers.
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 tools such as Minitab or SigmaZone.
Ability to travel domestically.

Nice To Haves

Experience in construction chemicals, including concrete polymers, cementitious systems, coatings, adhesives, and membranes.
Experience in industrial planning and design, including process optimization.
Six Sigma certification.
SAP knowledge.

Responsibilities

Develop engineering and project objectives, plans, and budgets aligned with company strategy for new plants, production lines, and process upgrades.
Provide key inputs to master plans and make strategic decisions affecting engineering and manufacturing areas of responsibility.
Provide technical stewardship of engineering activities and develop effective solutions that improve product and process quality and deliver sustainable long-term value.
Present proposals and drive decisions with senior management and plant personnel.
Direct internal and external resources to deliver project work on schedule and within budget; monitor and report progress and performance.
Build trusting project-team relationships and coordinate technical work with stakeholders, customers, and third-party representatives.
Empower project teams to achieve critical goals.
Conduct project risk assessments, identify special requirements, and develop and execute test plans to validate compliance.
Work with EH&S experts to ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements and obtain applicable permits.
Train, direct, motivate, and mentor others.