Specialist - Project

Company: Westlake Chemical
Location: Marietta
Posted on: March 15, 2023

Job Description:

SUMMARY

This position is located in Marietta, OH. The Specialist - Projects - Product Development is responsible for coordinating assigned project development activities while participating in the joint development meetings and developing processes for consumer research. Additionally, this position will support Product Development Technicians with guidance and development of cost structures with assistance from the finance team and assist the marketing team by participating in weekly NPD meetings, providing product specification sheets and populating buyer bid sheets.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordinate all aspects of assigned product development projects including production trials, prototypes, testing, packaging design and cost structure through effective engagement of internal and external partners.

Participate in forward-facing joint development meetings with retailer merchant teams and other current or prospective customers.

Develop and execute processes for consumer research, including focus group, survey, sampling, testing and general market research as it relates to specific project and products.

Support product development technicians with guidance and development of product cost structures, with the assistance and direction of finance.

Drive research into new and adjacent products and/or categories that utilize established manufacturing capabilities, materials feed streams and business relationships.

Assist marketing team with photography and video for use in literature, online listings, packaging, merchandising and web content.

Participate in weekly NPD meetings & design reviews as necessary.

Provide product specification information to Marketing & Sales and populate buyer bid sheets with specifications as requested.

Follow established procedures and recommend process improvement opportunities.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field.

5+ years of experience in manufacturing and laboratory environments.

5+ years of experience in retail and commercial customers.

Ability to independently prioritize and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment to ensure deadlines are met.

Proficient in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Strong analytical skills and clear understanding of financial measurements including product costing, gross margins and project ROI.

Experience and technical knowledge photographic composition and video production.

Strong presentation, verbal, and written communication skills.

Willing to support and mentor technicians.
Required Behavioral Skills

Personal Leadership - Leads by envisioning the future, engaging others, energizing people, and enabling self and others to develop and execute plans to deliver strategy.

Builds Partnerships - Identifies opportunities and takes action to build strategic relationships between one's area and other areas, teams, departments, units, or organizations to help achieve business goals.

Coaches - Provides timely guidance and feedback to help others strengthen specific knowledge/skill areas needed to accomplish a task or solve a problem.

Contributes to Team Success - Actively participates as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goals.

Gains Commitment - Uses appropriate interpersonal styles and techniques to gain acceptance of ideas or plans; modifies one's own behavior to accommodate tasks, situations, and individuals involved. Charisma to take on difficult issues and hold people.

Initiates Action - Takes prompt action to accomplish objectives; takes action to achieve goals beyond what is required; is proactive.

Work Standards - Sets high standards of performance for self and others; assumes responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks; self imposes standards of excellence rather than having standards imposed.
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.
WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as normally based in an office. Some of the work may be required in the operating units which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc. May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs. Travel including air travel or auto travel may occasionally be required.

Keywords: Westlake Chemical, Canton , Specialist - Project, Other , Marietta, Ohio