Science & Technology Team Lead

PPG Industries•Reybold, DE

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Science & Technology Team Lead is based at PPG’s Delaware, Ohio site in the Columbus area and leads the initiation, early development, and transition of new Refinish projects, from prototype development through commercialization of coatings. The role oversees 2–3 project teams comprising 5–10 individual contributors and works as part of a wider R&D multidisciplinary team and cross-functional network. It collaborates closely with global applications, resin scale-up, manufacturing, operations, procurement, and marketing teams. The position reports to the Delaware site leader and works closely with Refinish RTD and GTD. The Team Lead is accountable for safe operation of technology labs and for fostering a broad safety culture. The role ensures compliance with company policies and procedures, applies best practices across R&D activities, and drives speed to market. It builds and sustains cross-functional partnerships, including leading without direct authority, and guides project planning, resourcing, staffing, milestones, and deliverables for new product development projects. The role also develops team members and career plans, promotes employee engagement, and incorporates new ways of working, including digitalization and AI/ML tools. Travel, including international travel, is as needed and expected to be less than 10%.

Requirements

PhD with 12+ years of industry experience, or BS/MS with 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 managerial people leadership experience.
Proven experience in manufacturing, process engineering, product/process design, and commercialization.
Ability to speak persuasively and use interpersonal skills to gain agreement on proposals and technical pathways at executive level.
Good business acumen and ability to integrate manufacturing, research, and business strategies.
Strength in internal stakeholder management, technical risk management, and proactive communication.
Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships quickly with internal and external partners and to work with remote teams.
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 stakeholders outside the direct sphere of influence at regional and global levels.
Proven track record of success in an S&T environment.
Professional and positive approach; detail-oriented, self-motivated, a team player, and able to work on one's own initiative.

Responsibilities

Ensure safe operation of technology labs, proactively address safety concerns, and foster a broad safety culture.
Provide workday accountability for 2–3 project teams encompassing 5–10 individual contributors.
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 and leverage best-in-class practices throughout R&D activities to drive speed to market.
Establish and sustain strong cross-functional partnerships, leading without direct authority where needed.
Lead the team representing the Americas technology business for NPD projects in key technology areas.
Work with marketing teams to identify regional and global opportunities.
Develop project plans, identify staffing needs, and find resources to support projects successfully.
Ensure milestones and key deliverables are met, and drive execution, ownership, and continued project development.
Build meaningful development plans for team members and develop career plans.
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%.