Group Leader, Asphalt Chemistry

• Heritage Research Group
• West 71st Street, Indianapolis, IN, USA
• Salary
• Full Time
• Comprehensive Benefits Package

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Position Summary

As Group Leader, Asphalt Chemistry, the primary responsibility will be to guide and oversee a team of laboratory employees encompassing various scientific or engineering fields related primarily to the asphalt industry. The role is crucial in offering ongoing technical guidance and leadership to the group members, enabling them to perform at their best and successfully accomplish their objectives. While the detailed responsibilities are provided below, it's important to emphasize that this position entails a strong technical focus and technical expertise and influence within the lab.

Your Responsibilities:

• Lead and coach a small team of scientists and engineers, including ensuring the team adheres to safety protocols and achieves safety objectives
• Prioritize safety protocols and quality control measures in all aspects of asphalt chemistry work. This includes adherence to regulatory standards, implementing best practices, and ensuring the production of high-quality and environmentally sustainable asphalt materials
• Conduct performance reviews and craft professional development plans with direct reports
• Facilitate the onboarding process for new hires
• Keep the director informed about the group's progress, and all significant factors affecting assigned responsibilities
• Take responsibility for the scientific aspects of projects and provide operational support, including daily guidance to the R&D team and assistance in production support during non-conformities
• Communicate scientific data effectively to Heritage Research Group directors
• Ensure the generation and review of necessary documentation such as R&D reports, production reports, engineering designs, scale, and transfer paperwork
• Advise the Group Director and Director of Strategic Projects in selecting project members
• Provide input for evaluating project inquiries in terms of content, feasibility, planning, and required resources
• Assist in creating project proposals when needed
• Support the execution of the group vision and strategy, aligning them with the broader HRG strategy
• Collaborate with other HRG leaders, OpCo representatives, and external organizations to develop and implement new initiatives and projects that provide value to HRG and its internal and external partners
• Skilled in effectively analyzing and addressing complex asphalt chemistry challenges, excelling in problem-solving, and exceptional analytical abilities.
• Continuously expand technical knowledge and expertise by leading or contributing directly as a subject matter expert (SME) on projects, developing new ideas/initiatives, identifying IP, and publishing opportunities, authoring papers and reports, and pursuing further research prospects
• Stay updated on the latest advancements, technologies, and industry trends in asphalt chemistry, including practical additive applications in the paving industry (hot mix, warm mix, and cold mix).
• Valuable scale-up experience (30 L+) and the ability to incorporate new methodologies, techniques, and materials to drive innovation and maintain competitiveness in the field

Requirements:

• Minimum of bachelor's degree in science and engineering, an advanced degree is considered a plus
• Over 5 years (10+ strongly preferred) of experience in the specific field applicable to the group
• Demonstrated experience in Research and Development
• Prior leadership experience is desired
• Strong understanding of laboratory operations, including policies and procedures
• Strong aptitude for learning and technical proficiency with basic computer systems related to R&D
• Excellent communication skills; both written and verbal
• Meticulous attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills
• Proven track record of effectively working on multiple projects and meeting deadlines
• Capable of exercising independent judgment and finding general solutions to abstract problems
• Extensive knowledge and experience in asphalt chemistry, including composition, properties, and behavior, crucial for overseeing asphalt-related research, product development, and formulation.
• Solid technical expertise in chemistry, specifically in areas relevant to asphalt chemistry, polymer chemistry, other modifiers, and related chemical processes.
• Proven track record of providing innovative solutions, process optimization, and making informed decisions based on scientific data and analysis.
• Thorough understanding of the raw materials required in paving, including their characteristics and their impact on asphalt chemistry, performance, safety, health, and environment, and adherence to agency specifications
• Experience in the beneficiation of by-products in the asphalt industry, contribution to sustainable practices, and promotion of resource efficiency within the field

About The Heritage Group

The Heritage Group (THG) is a privately held portfolio of companies focused on creating long-term value by building world-class businesses. Under four generations of family ownership, we employ thousands of people around the world, with operations across North America, Europe, and China, in the core industries of Environmental and Remediation, Specialty Chemicals and Fuel Products, and Construction and Materials. Driven by innovation and research, our in-house R&D team, Heritage Research Group, specializes in helping our diverse set of companies evolve and adapt to a changing marketplace by providing cutting-edge solutions and exploring new opportunities in its state-of-the-art facility. And while acquisitions, partnerships, internal expansion, and startups may be our cornerstone, we're a family company at heart-aiming to build long-term relationships with our customers, vendors, and partners so that we can turn big challenges into even bigger opportunities to make a difference in the world.

The Heritage Group welcomes the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of all to work together to accomplish our goals