Director, Applications Technology

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POSITION SUMMARY:

DuBois Chemicals is seeking a Director, Applied Technology to provide strategic and technical leadership for the Applied Technology function. Leads a team of Application Specialists who support commercial growth, customer retention, new application development, and technical problem solving across commercial business units and portfolios. The Director partners closely with Sales, Service, Marketing, Research and Development, Operations, and key customers to identify application opportunities, translate customer needs into technical solutions, and support profitable growth. Responsible for advancing technical capability, developing training and documentation, supporting aerospace and industrial market strategies. Demonstrate the company’s values of People First, One Team, Accountability, Relentless Improvement, and Customer Impact.

DuBois brands have been recognized as the technical leader for over one hundred years with unparalleled technology and service. No other company offers the performance value of our product offerings. Our laboratories continue a tradition of developing innovative technologies that are on the cutting edge of continuous improvement for the manufacturing industry. DuBois scientists are globally located in Research & Development (R&D) Centers of Excellence to better serve our customers’ needs. Their combined knowledge and application expertise contribute to the performance and value our customers have come to expect.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide leadership for the industrial solutions portion of Applied Technology, including team members who provide expert-level knowledge in metalworking fluids, lubrication, surface finishing, maintenance cleaning, heat treatment, aerospace applications, and related industrial processes.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Application Specialists, setting clear priorities, performance expectations, and technical standards.
• Partner with commercial leaders to support profitable growth within assigned business units, market segments, and product portfolios.
• Support sales and service teams during account acquisition, account retention, customer technical reviews, product trials, and solution implementation.
• Identify, diagnose, and resolve complex technical issues related to product application, process performance, customer operations, and service delivery.
• Collaborate with Research and Development, Marketing, Operations, and Sales to identify customer needs, evaluate new technologies, and develop products, systems, and services that address market opportunities.
• Develop and advance DuBois’ aerospace and aviation defense strategy by building market knowledge, understanding industry requirements, supporting customer engagement, and positioning DuBois as a valued technical partner.
• Create and deliver technical training, application guidance, user documentation, technical specifications, and segment-specific materials for internal teams and customers.
• Work with the Vice President, Applied Technology to establish, assess, and improve processes, key performance indicators, reporting tools, and team operating rhythms.
• Provide leadership and decision support during absences of the Vice President, Applied Technology.
• Collaborate with commercial business units and key account teams to accelerate the sales cycle, improve customer satisfaction, and retain strategic accounts.
• Use technical expertise and customer insight to recommend value-added solutions that improve customer operations, reduce risk, and create measurable business impact.
• Contribute to technical strategies, market plans, product launches, and continuous improvement initiatives through cross-functional collaboration.
• Travel to current and prospective customer sites to build relationships, assess application needs, support sales/service teams, retain accounts, and grow revenue.
• Perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 10+ years of experience in chemical applications, industrial manufacturing, chemical engineering, technical service, application engineering, or sales support within related industrial markets.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including the ability to lead technical teams, influence cross-functional partners, and develop talent.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong customer relationships at multiple levels within an organization, including technical, operational, purchasing, and executive stakeholders.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to connect technical solutions to customer value, profitable growth, market strategy, and account retention.
• Strong consultation, negotiation, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical information clearly to internal and external audiences.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across Sales, Service, Marketing, Research and Development, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and other internal business units.
• Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills with attention to detail and follow through.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and make sound decisions with limited supervision.
• Ability to build trust quickly, communicate with tact, and gain alignment among stakeholders with differing priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and related business systems.
• Ability to travel up to 50%, including overnight travel.

EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, Applied Sciences, Engineering, or a related technical discipline required.
• Advanced degree or relevant industry certifications preferred.
• Active involvement with manufacturing, aerospace, chemical, finishing, lubrication, or related technical associations preferred.

DuBois provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, service in the military, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and/or local law and/or regulation.