R&D MU Support Specialist Job in Groot-Ammers, Netherlands

AkzoNobel is a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals, with leading market positions and brands in countries around the world. We operate in a number of important market segments ranging from buildings and infrastructure to transport, industrial and consumer goods. We’re also the sector leader in sustainability and are number one in the renowned Dow Jones Sustainability Index. In practical terms, that means our sustainable solutions are in your lives, and those of your friends and family, every day. We’re the people that make it possible for you to do what you need to do.

R&D MU Support Specialist Job Description

Make a real difference in this fascinating technical and improvement role for a major global organization

AkzoNobel’s Decorative Paints brands are popular with consumers worldwide. But this is a vibrant market that never stands still, and we are always looking to meet the needs of consumers and trade professionals with new products, new colors, and ever-higher standards of sustainability and durability. This requires the continuous improvement of our paint recipes and production methods.

Are you a proactive and decisive coatings and production specialist who can act as the interface between our Manufacturing Unit (MU) at Groot Ammers in the Netherlands and the Product Development Centers (PDCs)? Do you have knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies such as L6 Sigma? Above all, can you combine data analysis and management as you build credibility to both the MUs and Technical groups?

It all adds up to a role for a uniquely talented person with the ambition to thrive within our dynamic and multicultural international environment. If you can do all this and more we invite you to apply for the position of

R&D MU Support Specialist

AkzoNobel is a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals. Calling on centuries of expertise, we supply industries and consumers worldwide with innovative products and sustainable technologies designed to meet the growing demands of our fast-changing planet.

Our business area Decorative Paints (DP) adds color to people’s lives with a full range of interior and exterior decoration and protection products for the trade and consumer markets. As authorities on color we aim to provide all our customers – from professional decorators to DIY enthusiasts – with a great color experience and a fantastic finish. Our range includes paints, lacquers and varnishes, as well as products for surface preparation (pre-deco products).

The role and its responsibilities
Interfacing between the MU and the PDCs you own and facilitate the transition of formulas from R&D-PDC to manufacturing. Thus you develop and implement plans to evaluate all formulas to ensure they are in line with our Design For Manufacturing principles.

Further, you agree changes required for improving formula manufacturing capability with PDC teams, and you develop plans to manage and resolve problems. In doing so, you implement processes to allow plant issues to be communicated and actioned.

At all times you assist MU technologists in Continuous Improvement and provide technical support to the MUs with formula and inspection plan, translating European inspection sheet to local inspection plan and training the MU team in the use of new QC equipment.

You ensure local confirmation of readiness for New Product Development and Management of Change (MoC) with active participation in risk assessment. You also oversee the production and evaluation of trial batches, redefining recipes to optimise formula performance. 

In addition you implement plant productivity plans and activities and you initiate and monitor laboratory work. Finally, you focus on people development within your own area while consistently improving capabilities and engagement in the indirect team.

R&D MU Support Specialist Job Requirements

Candidate profile
To apply for this position you must be able to demonstrate the following attributes:

• Master’s degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering
• Experience within R&D or production within Coatings is a preference (if you hold a Bachelor’s degree combined with proven relevant experience, you are also invited to apply);
• Good knowledge of the recipes as well as manufacturing and industrialization processes;
• Knowledge of contemporary paint formulating and a strong knowledge of IT tools such as PV and SAP;
• Able to work closely with a manager in another country;
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills including a good level of English.

R&D MU Support Specialist Application Information

Application details
For further information, please contact Denise de Bock, phone +31 (0)88 010 6789 #2. We welcome your online application via our website www.akzonobel.nl/careers, reference 150004B4. Or click on the 'Apply' button.

AkzoNobel is a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals, with leading market positions and brands in countries around the world. We operate in a number of important market segments ranging from buildings and infrastructure to transport, industrial and consumer goods. We’re also the sector leader in sustainability and are number one in the renowned Dow Jones Sustainability Index. In practical terms, that means our sustainable solutions are in your lives, and those of your friends and family, every day. We’re the people that make it possible for you to do what you need to do.

Agency or sales calls are not appreciated.

Keywords: Chemical engineer, Research and development, Lean Manufacturing, Six sigma, Process optimization.

R&D MU Support Specialist Summary

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