JOB DESCRIPTION



Objective: The North America (NA) Technical Manager is responsible for leading the research of next-generation Kop-Coat technologies, ensuring the development and deployment of high-quality products, managing compliance with regional regulations, engaging customers/field initiatives, and delivering effective operations of the laboratory & NA teams.

This capability is required across Kop-Coat core segments in Wood preservation and Farm & Forest.

This leadership role is aligned with market, customer, industry, and business objectives.

The incumbent is expected to interact with customer/industry stakeholders to understand and perform to evolving requirements.





Essential Functions:

• 
  Formulation & Development:
  
  
  
  • Lead the development of next-generation products, formula optimizations (set and improve protocols), cost-reduction initiatives, and qualify suppliers.
  
  
  • Lead the raw material optimization research, evaluation, and selection of raw materials and additives to improve product development, performance, sustainability, and cost-efficiency.
  
  
  • Assist with creation of new formulations from concept through production, often utilizing competitive analysis or reverse engineering.
    
    
    


• 
  Leadership:
  
  
  • Provide strategic and hands-on leadership across formulations, manufacturing QA/QC requirements, field technical support, and regulatory compliance.
    
    
  
  
  • Provide input on all laboratory operations, ensuring accurate, efficient, compliant testing and reporting of raw materials and finished goods.
  
  
  • Ensure all lab activities and products comply with relevant legal regulations and standards (e.g., EPA, EHS, ACVM, APVMA, MPI, HSNO) and other relevant frameworks.
    
    
    
  
  
  • Lead technical aspects of product development from formulation, scale-up, final product testing, and commercialization to drive process improvements, troubleshooting, and manufacturing excellence.
  
  
  • Investigate customer/sales factors to optimize formula design and other technical elements, including but not limited to integration with field trial activities (primarily, not exclusively for established portfolios).
  
  
  • Contribute, maintain, and manage product project priorities to ensure deadlines are met.
  
  
  • Compliance with RPM standards for safety, environmental, facility, and other protocols.
    
    
    


• 
  Reporting & Communication:
  
  
  • Set and track quality and technical performance KPIs, report results, risks, and improvement plan.
  
  
  • Coordinate technical documentation, validation protocols, and reports as requested.
    
    
  
  
  • Communicate effectively across departments and with key stakeholders.
  
  
  • Establish, communicate, and update quarterly team member responsibilities and goals.
  
  
  • Establish and nurture collaborative leadership relationships within RPM businesses.


• 
  Knowledge:
  
  
  • Stay current with industry trends and emerging marketing technologies.
    
    Contribute to the development of profitable platforms across all segments/markets.
  
  
  • Demonstrate knowledge of analytical chemistry, formulation science, method development, stability, and compliance standards.
  
  
  • Up-to-date knowledge of technical advances in field application techniques, product delivery systems, and quality control innovations.
  
  
  • Further knowledge and education regularly through workshops, research, and seminars, and share best practices with functional teams.
    
    
    


• 
  Teamwork:
  
  
  • Demonstrate the Kop-Coat Ways (accountability, innovation, proactiveness, aspirational) and hold expectations of subordinates to do the same
  
  
  • Promote cross-functional alignment and strong communications between Technical, Operations, Commercial, and Field support teams across all segments.
  
  
  • Manage project timelines and budgets to ensure on-time, high-quality deliverables.
  
  
  • Be fully compliant and aligned with RPM's values and standards.
    
    
  
  
  • Be fully integrated into RPM's Innovation Center of Excellence processes.
  
  
  • Carry out other related tasks as required
    
    
    

• 
  Education: An advanced degree in a scientific or technical field.
  


• 
  Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of experience in a laboratory setting, preferably in a relevant technical supervisor role.
  
  
  
  
  
  Core Skills:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • Thorough knowledge of applicable chemistry, laboratory equipment, techniques, and procedures.
    
    
    
  
  
  • Proficiency in laboratory instruments (HPLC, GC, XRF, etc).
    
  
  
  • Experience with EPA, FDA, and ISO regulations.
    
  
  
  • Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.