Job Description

W. R. Grace is seeking a Director of Marketing (DM) for the Polypropylene (PP) Catalyst Segment to lead the segment’s global innovation efforts that support the business growth. DM works closely with global functions such as Research & Development, Process Technology, Business Management, Sales, legal and manufacturing to deliver leading innovation.

This position operates within the Polyolefins and Chemicals Catalysts Business, and the preferred location is Columbia, Maryland although Houston, Texas is also an option.

Responsibilities (1 of 2)

The critical position is a global role that focuses on

• Developing marketing plans to guide the PP segment strategy
• Developing and operationalizing the PP catalyst systems innovation roadmaps
• Establishing strategic partnerships to implement the business strategy
• Developing the PP catalyst segment intellectual property strategy.

Marketing plans

• Develop market maps to uncover opportunities and areas of focus
• Gain understanding of the value chain players and trends
• Establish customers’ purchasing criteria and develop the customer segmentation to support business prioritization and sales approaches
• Work with the Marketing Intelligence team to develop competitive intel that supports the marketing plans
• Develop execution plans by customer segment in close partnership with the Business Management group, sales and technical customer interfacing teams

Segment Technology Roadmap (plan)

• Identify PP resin products trends, needs and wants to uncover technology focus areas
• Establish competitive threats and opportunities to prioritize in the technology plan

Responsibilities (2 of 2)

Segment Technology Roadmap (plan)

• Work with the technical functions to establish key problem statements to solve
• Lead internal and external ideation and prioritization efforts
• Assemble the 3-5 years technology roadmap and gain business leadership support
• Lead projects through the stage gate process from business case development to commercialization

Strategic Partnerships

• Map innovation projects’ needs against potential partners’ capabilities and interests
• Develop and negotiate partnership proposals in collaboration with other functional leaders and legal
• Ensure collaborations are governed to provide intended results
• Maintain the executive team informed of progress and challenges.

Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy

• Define the IP strategy by sub-segment of the PP catalyst segment in terms of due diligence, protection and enforcement in close collaboration with legal and R&D
• Establish a management process for trade secrets
• Provide business support to on-going IP management processes.

Required Qualifications

• B.S in Material Science or any other science or engineering.
• 15 years of experience in the petrochemical industry, with expertise in PP product development and/or marketing
• Experience in innovation management
• Demonstrated skills of working in a team environment.
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Demonstrated communication skills and ability to influence peers and executives

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph. D. in Material Science or any other science or engineering
• M.S. in Material Science or related discipline.
• Experience in polypropylene processes
• Experience with global roles

• LI -TC1

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Grace Wellness Program
• Flexible Workplace with maximum overlap with the core hours
• Retirement Plans
• 401(k) Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Donation Match Program

Grace is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Grace via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Grace. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Grace as a result of the referral or through other means.