What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technical Services Manager position at Acme-Hardesty, Co.?
Job Title: Manager, Technical Services – Industrial Specialties
Reports to: Director of Technology
Location: Blue Bell, PA, USA
OUR COMPANY:
Building upon a heritage of more than 160 years, Jacob Stern & Sons / Acme-Hardesty prides itself in our commitment to lead with compassion, humility, and a sense of humor. This is why our employees provide solutions where others may only see problems. We are a uniquely peculiar company offering refuge to professionals who value respect and dignity rather than the status quo.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to operate in an environment that rewards those who are passionately curious? It may just be time for you to escape the "daily grind" and join the Acme-Hardesty family. Embrace the change that results from lifelong learning and open collaboration. Take a closer look at Acme-Hardesty.
Acme-Hardesty Co., a division of Jacob Stern & Sons, Inc., is in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania and has evolved today into one of the largest distributors of renewable palm oil derivatives, castor oil and its derivatives, glycerin and preservatives and surfactants. The business serves as the bridge that connects suppliers in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South America with customers in North America. Acme-Hardesty brings essential materials, needed by thousands of manufacturers, to create products that benefit millions of consumers.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Technical Services Specialist to join our team, with a focus on the Industrial Specialties Market. This includes but is not limited to Lubes, Grease & Metal Working, Agriculture, CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, and Elastomers), and Polyurethane. The successful candidate will be responsible for working closely with customers, evaluating new products, and driving innovative projects in the laboratory.
RESPONSIBILITES AND ACCOUNTABILTIES:
Customer Collaboration
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with customers in the Industrial Specialties Market
- Provide technical support and expertise to customers, addressing their needs and resolving technical issues, using process tools – Technical Services Requests, Lead development portal and periodic follow-up on samples and projects
- Conduct customer visits to understand application requirements and provide tailored solutions
- Participate in regional conferences, tradeshows and society events to promote products and leverage expertise to drive profitability
- Travel expectation – minimum 40% (domestic)
New Product Development
- Manage new product portfolio, including new product pipeline
- Assist and lead the evaluation of new products, including testing and validation in relevant applications
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to introduce new products to the market effectively
- Provide detailed technical reports and feedback on product performance and potential improvements
Technical Project Management
- Drive projects in the lab, from conception through to execution, ensuring timely delivery of results
- Develop and manage project plans, including resource allocation and timelines
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and successful project outcomes
- Ensure safety, compliance and support key sustainability initiatives
KNOWLEDGE, EXPEREINCE, & SKILLS DESIRED:
- Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, Chemistry, or related field. Advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in a technical services or R&D role within the Industrial Specialties Market.
- Extensive expertise in application related to Lubricants, Grease & Metal Working fluids. (Agriculture chemicals, Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, Elastomers (CASE), or Polyurethane application knowledge will be a plus).
- Proven track record of successful project management and customer interaction.
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as a team in a fast-paced setting.
- Ability to develop value added solutions for customers utilizing laboratory tools, including existing and new products and development of prototypes
