Science & Technology Team Lead

PPG•Delaware, OH

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Science & Technology Team Lead is based at PPG’s Delaware, Ohio site and leads the initiation, early development, and transition of new projects for the Refinish business, from prototype development through commercialization of coatings. The role oversees technology lab safety and provides workday accountability for 2–3 project teams comprising more than 10 individual contributors and project leaders. The position works within a broader, multidisciplinary R&D team and cross-functional network, collaborating with global applications, resin scale-up, manufacturing, operations, procurement, marketing, and business partners. It leads the Americas technology team’s NPD projects in key technology areas, building project plans, identifying staffing and resources, ensuring milestones and deliverables are met, and driving project execution and ownership. The role is accountable for compliance with company policies and procedures, effective R&D practices, and speed to market, often leading through influence rather than direct authority. Additional responsibilities include developing team members and career plans, fostering employee engagement, and incorporating new ways of working, including digitalization and AI/ML tools. The role reports directly to the Refinish RTD, works closely with the Refinish GTD, and requires travel as needed, including international travel; travel is expected to be less than 10%.

Requirements

PhD with at least 12 years of industry experience, or BS/MS with at least 15 years of industry experience, in chemistry or chemical engineering.
Proven experience in research, product development, or customer development.
At least 6 years of R&D people-management leadership experience.
Proven experience in manufacturing, process engineering, product/process design, and commercialization.
Ability to speak persuasively and use interpersonal skills to gain executive-level agreement on proposals and technical pathways.
Good business acumen and ability to integrate manufacturing, research, and business strategies.
Good internal stakeholder management, technical risk management, and proactive communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships quickly with internal and external partners and to work with remote teams.
Ability to work independently.
Strong leadership, strategic, and organizational skills.
Entrepreneurial approach to creating value.
Ability to communicate across all levels of the organization, including executive level.
Ability to provide objective, unbiased opinions to organizational decision makers.
Ability to influence regional and global stakeholders beyond the direct sphere of influence.
Proven track record of success in an S&T environment.
Professional and positive approach; detail-oriented, self-motivated, a team player, and able to take initiative.

Responsibilities

Be accountable for safe operation of technology labs and foster, enable, and encourage a broad safety culture; proactively address safety concerns.
Provide workday accountability for 2–3 project teams encompassing more than 10 individual contributors and project leaders.
Collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary R&D team and cross-functional network, including global applications, resin scale-up, manufacturing, operations, and procurement.
Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures, apply best-in-class practices throughout R&D activities, and drive speed to market.
Establish and sustain strong cross-functional partnerships, leading effectively without direct authority.
Lead the team representing Americas technology for NPD projects in key technology areas.
Work with marketing teams to identify regional and global opportunities.
Create project plans, identify staffing needs, and secure resources to support projects.
Ensure project milestones and key deliverables are met.
Drive project execution, ownership, and engagement in advancing projects.
Develop meaningful development and career plans for team members.
Create and maintain a culture that drives employee engagement.
Incorporate new ways of working, including digitalization and AI/ML tools.
Travel as needed, including abroad; travel is expected to be less than 10%.