Corporate Technology Program Manager

Job Summary
The Program Manager for the Centralized R&D Group will oversee and drive cross-functional material development projects from conception through commercialization. The role focuses on managing research initiatives that span various teams within the company and ensuring that resources are optimized for innovation and material breakthroughs. This position is pivotal in balancing scientific discovery with business objectives, ensuring that new materials and technologies are aligned with the companys growth strategy.
Essential Functions
Program Leadership: Lead, manage, and execute multiple R&D programs focused on material development, coordinating between researchers, engineers, commercial resources and external partners to ensure timely and successful outcomes.
Innovation Pipeline Management: Oversee the material innovation pipeline, assisting prioritizing of projects based on business value, technical feasibility, and market attractiveness.
Project Management: Develop and manage detailed project plans, schedules, budgets, and resource allocations and skillsets for key business growth drivers, ensuring alignment with company objectives and innovation goals.
Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with product development, engineering, manufacturing, and marketing teams to integrate new materials and technologies into the companys product pipeline.
Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate program status, risks, and milestones to senior leadership, ensuring transparency and alignment with business strategy. Regularly present findings and updates at project review meetings.
Risk Management: Identify and manage risks and opportunities related to technical development, project timelines, and resource availability.
Regulatory and Compliance: Ensure that R&D projects comply with relevant industry standards, certifications, and environmental regulations.
Budget Oversight: Work closely with finance and the R&D team to manage program budgets, ensuring resources are used effectively to meet project goals.
Vendor & Partner Management: Collaborate with external research institutions, material suppliers, and technology partners to drive innovation, ensuring that all collaborations contribute to the programs success.
Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and improve R&D processes, tools, and methodologies to increase efficiency and effectiveness in the development of new materials.
Other duties as assigned
Additional Qualifications
Project Management Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously, ensuring alignment with both scientific and business objectives.
Technical Acumen: Strong understanding of material science, chemistry, or engineering principles to drive informed decision-making in the R&D space.
Leadership: Proven leadership and team management experience, with the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to anticipate and resolve challenges in a dynamic research environment.
Software Proficiency: Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, MS Teams, Stage-Gate Project Management Tools) and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau).
Competencies
Each position at Avient focuses on eight Core Competencies as a Leader of Self. Additionally, management positions focus on Leadership Competencies as a Leader of Others and/or a Leader of the Business. These competencies are designed to drive behavior that will ultimately help our associates excel at their current roles, w