Associate Director - Engineering

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.

SUMMARY

The Associate Director-Engineering is responsible for planning and directing all aspects ofengineeringactivities and projects within the division. The Associate Director- Engineering will plan, direct, coordinate, and oversee activities in the engineering department, ensuring the development and implementation of efficient operations, cost-effective systems to meet the current and future needs of the company, and new product development in partnership with the product and market development teams. The Associate Director-Engineering will also be responsible for the Research & Development team, which includes product testing, raw material qualifications, and formulation research and changes.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages a team of engineers and engineering support personnel across the US and Canada.

Plans and coordinates the work of engineering staff

Oversees engineering staff and ensures that they meet goals and objectives

Recruits and retains engineering staff

Responsible for talent development and training

Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive

Provides mentoring and coaching directly and develops team through supervisors

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

New product development engineering for part functionality and manufacturing feasibility

Material development implementation for alternate suppliers, cost savings, and improved performance

Review of and recommend solutions to plant inefficiencies, manufacturing concerns

New equipment specification and sign off after implementation

Cross functional support of all manufacturing locations and business units

Design and selection of equipment systems, packaging systems/materials, and materials for new products and continuous improvement

Follow product from development through post launch validation

Maintain records for projects, programs, designs, systems and materials

Routinely visit plants to provide support, evaluate plant operations, and provide requested assistance.

Evaluate equipment and operations for potential safety and health hazards; work with plants to eliminate hazards.

Support strategic growth option identification and evaluation

Write technical and business documents, reports, presentations, and correspondence.

Perform other related tasks as required

Comply with safety policies and procedures

Perform other related duties as required

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or other related field

Minimum of 12 years relevant experience with 5 or more years in a leadership role

Demonstrated ability to exhibit Westlake Behaviors

Knowledge of drafting and specification standards

Proficient in MS Office

Knowledge of SAP or JD Edwards enterprise software, desired

Clear and concise business and technical writing ability

Demonstrated ability in process improvement, metric development, and problem solving

Communicate effectively and tactfully with customers, managers and all levels of employees - Provide clear direction and explain technically complicated information in layman's terms

Work well with conflicting priorities and deadlines

Keep information confidential (confidentiality agreement required)

Strong organizational skills

Strategic thinker

Strong work ethic

Adapt easily to changing conditions, requirements, and environment

Self-directed, independent worker

Tactful, diplomatic, empathetic - Says the right thing, knows how to bridge gaps of understanding, and is sensitive to others

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of