Technical Marketing Manager - Plastics and Powder

Position Title: Technical Marketing Manager – Plastics and Powder
Location: Ohio, USA
Salary: $130k

Primary Responsibilities:

Market and Customer Requirements:
The Technical Marketing Manager is responsible for identifying and understanding the market and customer needs within the Plastics and Powder Coatings segments. The goal is to secure profitable growth and strengthen the market position. The role involves providing technical application and customer support, addressing customer problems, expanding customer relationships, and participating in industry associations to identify emerging needs.

Team Leadership and Collaboration:
Provide leadership and management for the Technical Marketing team on-site, working closely with Sales, R&D, Operations, Quality Control, and Product Group Management. Ensure compliance with safety procedures and manage the department’s budget. Ensure the technical team is properly structured, resourced, and capable of performing all necessary duties.

Customer Support and Application:
Provide optimal application-specific support for effect pigments to Plastics and Powder Coatings customers. Key responsibilities include:

• Responding to product and support inquiries
• Investigating and resolving product complaints
• Managing special product releases
• Defining product specifications
• Managing technical requests and customer projects in the lab
• Organizing customer visits, seminars, and internal/external product training
• Ensuring that necessary marketing/technical tools are available

Product Portfolio Management:
Ensure the product portfolio meets customer and market demands. Oversee appropriate product development initiatives to address these needs.

Product Launch and Promotion:
Lead new product launches and manage the phase-out of older products. Develop marketing materials and promotional tools. Organize and execute trade shows, customer training, and seminars.

Market and Competitive Analysis:
Monitor market trends and competition by analyzing market size, growth, and competitive market share. Gather comprehensive information on competitors’ technologies and assess market trends.

Market Segment Strategy:
Develop and implement a market segment strategy, including the definition of business plans for market sub-segments. Execute strategies for market expansion.

Support Commercial Activities:
Actively engage in commercial activities for Plastics and Powder Coatings, including lead generation, customer qualification, sample fulfillment, and providing pricing recommendations.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Support Operations and Quality Control in troubleshooting as required, developing QC test methods in collaboration with R&D, and ensuring test equipment capability.
• Define and communicate the Value Proposition for all value-added products in the Plastics and Powder Coatings market.
• Adhere to the company’s safety and housekeeping policies and comply with established ISO procedures.
• Utilize Six Sigma tools and methodologies as applicable.
• Coordinate sample stock inventory for new and existing products, including resale items.
• Maintain a hands-on role and actively engage in lab activities.
• Prepare technical data sheets and other product-related documents.
• Participate in various management activities (e.g., ALTANA X, ISO, SAP, CRM, etc.) as assigned.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Position Requirements:

Education:
A BSc or MSc degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or Materials Science is desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of 3 years of experience in technical marketing, sales, or a related field.

Industry Knowledge:
Experience in the Specialty Chemicals Industry, with specific knowledge of Powder Coatings and/or Plastics applications is required. Experience with metallic effect pigments is preferred.

Leadership and Teamwork:
Proven leadership skills, including the ability to motivate and foster teamwork across functional areas.

Strategic Thinking:
Ability to think strategically and ensure the timely execution of plans and initiatives.

Project Management:
Strong capability in managing multiple activities and projects simultaneously.

Problem-Solving Skills:
Proven and effective problem-solving abilities.

Communication Skills:
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

Organizational Skills:
Excellent organizational, planning, and presentation skills.

Technical Proficiency:
Proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel, as well as SAP, Salesforce, and Business Objects.

Travel:
Willingness to travel up to 40% of the time.