Global Wet End Product Development Manager

Global Wet End Product Development Manager

Name of Position

Global Wet End Product Development Manager

Location

Mexico

About Pangea

Pangea (formerly GST AutoLeather, Inc.) is a premier global provider of leather upholstery for automotive seating and trim, and supplies many of the world’s major OEM’s, including Toyota, Honda, Nissan, GM, FCA, Volkswagen, and BMW among others.

Reporting to

This position reports to the Executive VP of Global Product Development and Supply Chain. Regional wet end technical leaders will have a dot line report to this position.

Scope and Responsibilities

Leads research and new product development activities related to wet end processes, chemistry and technology, including tanning, retaining, and drying, with focus on continuous improvement activities and sustainable developments. This position :

• Leads and supports internal and customer driven product development projects to approvals.
• Coordinates and communicates with Regional PD directors on priorities and opportunities.
• Works with product and process engineers on new product scale-ups and technical documentation.
• Creates and assists in technical reports for internal and external customers related to wet end product development technical matters.
• Performs regular contact with existing suppliers providing direction and evaluating new technologies and systems.
• Evaluates new potential suppliers and technology related to advanced and innovative developments.
• May make customer visits to discuss and promote innovative technologies / products to secure future business.
• Leads initiatives related to global standardization efforts.
• Prepares regular reports and follow up related to wet end research and product development activities.
• Assists in transfer of new technology to plants on new item scale-ups based on APQP process.
• Works closely with procurement on validation of current and potential new crust sources.
• Works closely with design team to interpret and develop new and innovative products.
• Works closely with Quality teams on creations and approvals of internal / external specifications related towet-end and crust.
• Requires initiative and follow-up related to innovation and new product development.
• Understands the requirements and demands of automotive products and quality systems.

Required Education, Skills & Experience

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