Manager, NA Technology

Carboline•Greensboro, NC

About The Position

The North America (NA) Technical Manager is responsible for leading the research of next-generation Kop-Coat technologies, ensuring the development and deployment of high-quality products, managing compliance with regional regulations, engaging customers/field initiatives, and delivering effective operations of the laboratory & NA teams. This capability is required across Kop-Coat core segments in Wood preservation and Farm & Forest. This leadership role is aligned with market, customer, industry, and business objectives. The incumbent is expected to interact with customer/industry stakeholders to understand and perform to evolving requirements.

Requirements

An advanced degree in a scientific or technical field.
Minimum of 10+ years of experience in a laboratory setting, preferably in a relevant technical supervisor role.
Thorough knowledge of applicable chemistry, laboratory equipment, techniques, and procedures.
Proficiency in laboratory instruments (HPLC, GC, XRF, etc).
Experience with EPA, FDA, and ISO regulations.
Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

Responsibilities

Lead the development of next-generation products, formula optimizations (set and improve protocols), cost-reduction initiatives, and qualify suppliers.
Lead the raw material optimization research, evaluation, and selection of raw materials and additives to improve product development, performance, sustainability, and cost-efficiency.
Assist with creation of new formulations from concept through production, often utilizing competitive analysis or reverse engineering.
Provide strategic and hands-on leadership across formulations, manufacturing QA/QC requirements, field technical support, and regulatory compliance.
Provide input on all laboratory operations, ensuring accurate, efficient, compliant testing and reporting of raw materials and finished goods.
Ensure all lab activities and products comply with relevant legal regulations and standards (e.g., EPA, EHS, ACVM, APVMA, MPI, HSNO) and other relevant frameworks.
Lead technical aspects of product development from formulation, scale-up, final product testing, and commercialization to drive process improvements, troubleshooting, and manufacturing excellence.
Investigate customer/sales factors to optimize formula design and other technical elements, including but not limited to integration with field trial activities (primarily, not exclusively for established portfolios).
Contribute, maintain, and manage product project priorities to ensure deadlines are met.
Compliance with RPM standards for safety, environmental, facility, and other protocols.
Set and track quality and technical performance KPIs, report results, risks, and improvement plan.
Coordinate technical documentation, validation protocols, and reports as requested.
Communicate effectively across departments and with key stakeholders.
Establish, communicate, and update quarterly team member responsibilities and goals.
Establish and nurture collaborative leadership relationships within RPM businesses.
Stay current with industry trends and emerging marketing technologies. Contribute to the development of profitable platforms across all segments/markets.
Demonstrate knowledge of analytical chemistry, formulation science, method development, stability, and compliance standards.
Up-to-date knowledge of technical advances in field application techniques, product delivery systems, and quality control innovations.
Further knowledge and education regularly through workshops, research, and seminars, and share best practices with functional teams.
Demonstrate the Kop-Coat Ways (accountability, innovation, proactiveness, aspirational) and hold expectations of subordinates to do the same
Promote cross-functional alignment and strong communications between Technical, Operations, Commercial, and Field support teams across all segments.
Manage project timelines and budgets to ensure on-time, high-quality deliverables.
Be fully compliant and aligned with RPM’s values and standards.
Be fully integrated into RPM’s Innovation Center of Excellence processes.
Carry out other related tasks as required