Senior Technical Specialist

As the largest pureplay adhesives company in the world, H.B. Fuller's (NYSE: FUL) innovative, functional coatings, adhesives and sealants enhance the quality, safety and performance of products people use every day. Founded in 1887, with 2023 revenue of $3.5 billion, our mission to Connect What Matters is brought to life by more than 7,000 global team members who collaborate with customers across more than 30 market segments in over 140countries to develop highly specified solutions that enable customers to bring world-changing innovations to their end markets.

Senior Technical Specialist - Flexible Packaging

Location: U.S. (Remote position)

The Senior Technical Specialist is a leader in the North America Flexible Packaging team responsible for providing technical support, especially application expertise, to our existing and potential customers for closing new and maintaining existing business, respectively. This position works as a remote/senior field technical specialist and is responsible for customer adoption of new and existing product lines and/or new processes to drive business growth. The Senior Technical Specialist is expected to be an industry expert in Flexible Packaging applications and adhesive technologies and operating OEM, adhesive lamination equipment (wide-web laminator experience required). The candidate collaborates closely with the cross-functional teams (Sales, R&D, PM&M, Lab-based Technical Service, etc.) in to support and accelerate business growth. The Senior Technical Specialist will be responsible for Flexible Packaging customer accounts within the NA region and will travel to conduct customer trials at customer sites as well as our MN Corporate Headquarters. The candidate is expected to advise and train customers and our internal team on Flexible Packaging lamination equipment and application processes.

• Serve as an expert with advanced knowledge of Flexible Packaging application equipment, application processes, and product portfolio to our existing and potential customers to drive business growth.
• Independently conducts trials for existing and potential customers to support product/process introductions, process/product recommendation, process/product troubleshooting, root cause analysis of product/process complaints and claims. Work closely with R&D, Sales, and Lab Technical Service teams to create value for our customers.
• Support trials for customers in the NA region at customer sites and our MN pilot facility.
• Use application and equipment expertise to solve unmet customer needs, troubleshoot application process problems, demonstrate the features, benefits, and efficacy of existing and new products, and make recommendations to customers for products and/or process improvements based on data driven insights. Proactively identifies issues and risks and proactively works towards mitigation and resolution.
• Provide recommendation on application equipment and support installation internally and at customers, as needed.
• Train customers on best practices of using our adhesives on their laminators, and conduct operator training at customers' sites and our pilot facility, as needed.
• Analyze and interpret data to provide technical insight on equipment/process/product recommendations. Communicate technical results effectively to customers and internal stakeholders
• Deliver effective technical presentations externally at customers, tradeshows, etc. to support business growth
• Works on unusually complex technical problems and provides solutions that are highly innovative and ingenious. Reduces the complexity of projects/services/processes to get more done with less and remove barriers.
• Researches and supports adoption of new processes/technologies/trends to stay current and strive to apply these for value creation at existing and potential customers.
• Ownership of a Nordmeccanica Super Combi 3000 laminator at our MN pilot facility. Provide guidance and support routine maintenance on the Combi, trolleys, met mix pumps, etc., and coordinating more significant maintenance with external contractors and pilot plant staff.
• Prioritize customer requests based on criteria agreed upon by internal cross-functional stakeholders. Generate and execute project plans that are aligned with customer and business expectations.
• Develop, maintain, and share applications knowledge base for various combinations of applications, equipment, and product technologies.
• Guide and train the internal team on Flexible Packaging application, application equipment and processes.

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma and at least 12 years of relevant work experience OR Associates or technical degree in related area of study and at least 10 years of relevant work experience OR Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering or related area of study and at least 8 years of relevant work experience
• Demonstrated expertise in Flexible Packaging application equipment (a wide-web laminator), application processes, and knowledge of product technologies and their applications
• Demonstrated expertise in product/process introductions, process/product recommendation, process/product troubleshooting, root cause analysis of product/process complaints and claims, and being proactive in suggesting new process/product to our customers to fill product/process gaps and support launch of new products/services
• Demonstrated ability to provide recommendation on application equipment and support installation internally and at customers, as needed
• Demonstrated ability in building customer relationships and intimacy
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and present effective technical presentations at customers, tradeshows, etc. to support business growth
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office and comfortable learning and using the various software systems
• Ability to coach and mentor junior technical colleagues
• Strong team-player with excellent communication skills, and ability to collaborate and influence cross-functionally to drive results
• Travel required up to 75-80% of the time

Preferred Requirements:

• Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science
• Previous knowledge of various adhesive technologies used in Flexible Packaging applications
• Knowledge of statistical software such as Minitab, JMP, etc.

Physical Requirements:

• Lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs. may be required
• Exposure to chemicals in laboratory environment. Safety procedures and PPE requirements must be strictly followed.

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, and geographic location.

The salary for this role is Commensurate with experience.

In addition to your salary, H.B. Fuller offers employees a competitive total rewards package including comprehensive benefits, incentive and recognitions programs, health & wellness benefits, 401K contributions, paid time off and paid holidays. Eligibility may vary.

H.B. Fuller is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and proud to have created a collaborative culture where employees around the world are seen, heard, and respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or marital status or status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected classification.

H.B. Fuller does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with H.B. Fuller, a written service agreement must be executed by Human Resources prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed service agreement, H.B. Fuller shall not be obligated for payment of any fee or compensation.

H.B. Fuller is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

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