Director, Product Line Management & Private Label

CHS, Inc.•Inver Grove Heights, MN

About The Position

The Director, Product Line Management & Private Label provides strategic leadership for CHS Lubricants' product development, technical services, quality systems, and private label business. This role is responsible for driving innovation, managing the product lifecycle, ensuring product quality and regulatory compliance, supporting customer and field technical needs, and leading strategic private label growth initiatives. The position partners closely with Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing, EHS, and external industry partners to develop competitive lubricant and refined fuel solutions that support business growth, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence.

Requirements

High School Diploma and/or GED.
7+ years of production experience in lubricant manufacturing, petroleum operations, chemical processing, product development, formulation, quality, technical services, or related industrial manufacturing environments.
Prior leadership experience with progressively advancing levels of leadership responsibility.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Physics, Physical Science, or related field.
Master's degree in Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Experience and knowledge in lubricant manufacturing, petroleum operations, product development, formulation, quality control, technical services, and related industrial processes.
Understanding of lubricant requirements for agricultural, construction, diesel, gas engine, industrial, and heavy-duty equipment.
Strong knowledge of petroleum and lubricant chemistry, industry specifications, ASTM testing procedures, lubricant blending processes, and quality management systems.
Experience developing and implementing quality control programs, testing protocols, regulatory compliance programs, OEM approvals, API licensing programs, warranty programs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Experience leading technical services, environmental health and safety, manufacturing support functions, customer support operations, product performance investigations, and cross-functional business projects.
Strategic planning, financial analysis, budgeting, capital expenditure management, and project management experience.
Strong leadership, communication, influencing, negotiation, organizational, administrative, problem-solving, and mechanical aptitude skills.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
Active involvement with industry organizations and technical associations within the lubricants, fuels, petroleum, chemical, or related industries.

Responsibilities

Lead the vision, strategy, and execution of the lubricants product portfolio, ensuring alignment with customer needs, market trends, and business objectives.
Oversee product architecture, lifecycle management, formulation strategies, and new product development initiatives.
Drive innovation by identifying new technologies, product opportunities, and competitive advantages that support growth and profitability.
Partner with Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to prioritize and execute product development opportunities.
Provide leadership and direction for Technical Services, ensuring timely and effective support for customers, sales teams, and channel partners.
Oversee technical product recommendations, field testing programs, troubleshooting efforts, warranty administration, and customer issue resolution.
Develop and implement technical training programs that enhance employee and customer knowledge of lubricant and fuel products.
Serve as a key technical resource for complex product performance, application, and quality concerns.
Lead product quality, testing, and continuous improvement programs across manufacturing facilities, third-party partners, and distributor networks.
Establish and maintain product specifications, testing protocols, and quality standards that support customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance.
Ensure compliance with industry standards, product licensing requirements, OEM approvals, environmental regulations, and safety requirements.
Champion a culture of quality, safety, accountability, and operational excellence throughout the organization.
Lead the Private Label business strategy to drive profitable growth, operational efficiencies, and strong customer partnerships.
Oversee portfolio management, pricing strategies, account performance, and product alignment with core business objectives.
Build and strengthen relationships with key private label customers and strategic business partners.
Identify opportunities to streamline product offerings, reduce complexity, and improve manufacturing efficiency.
Develop and manage operating budgets, capital expenditures, and strategic business plans.
Monitor key performance indicators and drive initiatives that improve profitability, product performance, and customer satisfaction.
Lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams while fostering collaboration, engagement, and professional growth.
Influence organizational strategy and serve as a trusted partner across multiple business functions.