Engineering - Materials Manager, Siding & Trim Division

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.​

SUMMARY

We are seeking a dynamic and safety-conscious multi-site Engineering Materials Manager to lead materials research operations within our profitable and growing Siding & Trim business. This pivotal role entails driving multifaceted initiatives aimed at enhancing safety, product performance and cost-effectiveness. Leadership of a high-performing materials research and development team is integral to achieving success in this position. Responsibilities encompass a wide spectrum, including materials innovation, technology development, product integration, annual strategic planning, and production support bolstering operational reliability.

*Must be currently residing in or near Bristol, TN; Marion, VA; or Columbus, OH or willing to relocate to the area. *

*Must be willing to travel up to 25% to support other Westlake sites. *

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Supervisory responsibilities include leading a high-performing team of eight technicians, scientists and engineers supporting eleven siding and trim manufacturing sites with laboratories in Bristol, TN; Marion, VA; Columbus, OH; and Woodbridge, ON
• Cultivate a safety-first culture within the materials engineering team, proactively identifying and mitigating risks in both engineering practices and laboratory facilities. Ensure all initiatives align with and surpass Westlake, local, state, and federal regulations.
• Assume ownership of the science behind product development and manufacturing of siding and siding systems. Stay abreast of evolving technologies and market trends in siding manufacturing.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the materials engineering domain, driving the design and implementation of enhancements in materials technology leading to superior product performance.
• Develop standard work and structured processes for evaluating, scaling and implementing materials changes across multiple production platforms.
• Develop culture of data driven decision making utilizing statistical methodologies to ensure complete and efficient evaluation of materials changes and their impact on key manufacturing requirements
• Interface with internal and external customers and stakeholders to identify technical areas for innovation, develop new products and solve a variety of production related issues.
• Partner with R&D and Manufacturing in leveraging gated processes to bring new ideas, concepts and technologies to market.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the business.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Chemical, Materials, or Polymer Engineering, or equivalent from an ABET accredited program, advanced degree preferred
• Min 10 years of work experience in engineering with focus on materials research and development
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build collaborative working relationships across a diverse organization are critical to success in this role
• Ability to define problems, execute test trials, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and build consensus amongst a diverse technical and operational team
• Strong communication and persuasion skills working at all levels of an organization  
• Six sigma green/black belt and knowledge of DOE, DMAIC, Fishbone, 5-Why, FMEA, statistical analysis, etc. is preferred.
• Strong data and analytical skills for business, science, and technical problems 
• Detail-oriented with the ability to catch minor errors which can result in major problems 
• Organizational skills for keeping track of various budgets, employees, and schedules simultaneously
• Ability to travel up to 25% in support of several plants, including international travel (valid passport required)
• Must possess a valid driver's license and passport for international travel, specifically Canada

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Additionally, this position must make general decisions requiring judgement and perform activities requiring sustained concentration.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is sometimes moderate when working in an office, however, some of the work may be required in the operating units which mandates usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.  May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators.  Travel including air travel and/or auto travel will be occasionally be required.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.

If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here. You will apply via the Jobs Hub application in Workday.