Technical Development Manager - Home Industrial & Institutional

About the role

The Technical Development Manager acts as the technical bridge between customers, suppliers, sales teams and internal innovation resources. The main goal is to drive growth in specialty ingredients by supporting formulation development, solving technical challenges and commercializing new solutions in the cleaning industry. The role is based in Portland and requires up to 50% regional travel.

Key responsibilities

• Partner with sales teams on customer development and account growth, conduct customer visits and engage with R&D and technical stakeholders.
• Identify innovation opportunities and formulation requirements, and give technical recommendations that support business growth.
• Develop and optimize household, industrial and institutional (HI&I) cleaning formulations, supporting projects from concept through commercialization.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing, performance and formulation issues using internal laboratory and application resources.
• Become the subject matter expert on strategic supplier technologies, support supplier onboarding and new product introductions, and deliver technical training to commercial teams and customers.
• Stay informed on industry trends and emerging technologies, understand regulatory requirements for cleaning products in North America, and help shape market-entry strategies.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline such as Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science.
• 10+ years of experience in product development, chemical manufacturing, distribution or related markets.
• Strong formulation experience in household, industrial and institutional cleaning products.
• Well versed in current market trends and key players in the HI&I industry, aware of the regulatory landscape in North America, and understands functional ingredient distribution.

Required skills

• Functional knowledge of word processors, database software, sales tools and spreadsheets.
• Formulation development and troubleshooting of cleaning products.

What we offer

• Individual development, on-the-job training and career development programs.
• Paid parental leave.
• Education assistance program and employee assistance program.
• Various healthcare plan options and 401(k).