VP, Manufacturing Technology with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Chicago, IL

Role Overview for VP, Manufacturing Technology with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Chicago, IL

JRG Partners is proud to conduct an exclusive executive search on behalf of our client, a premier, innovation-driven specialty chemicals company renowned for its market-leading products and commitment to sustainable solutions. We are seeking a visionary and transformative leader to assume the pivotal role of Vice President, Manufacturing Technology. Based at the corporate headquarters in the vibrant city of Chicago, IL, this executive will be the central force driving the technological strategy, engineering excellence, and operational optimization across the company’s global manufacturing network.

This is a career-defining opportunity for a seasoned chemical industry executive to make a substantial impact on the company’s growth, profitability, and long-term competitive advantage. The VP, Manufacturing Technology will be responsible for creating and executing a forward-looking technology roadmap that embraces digital transformation and enhances production capabilities. You will lead a world-class team of engineers and technical experts dedicated to improving process safety, product quality, asset reliability, and overall efficiency. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a deep technical foundation in chemical engineering, a proven track record of leading large-scale capital projects, and the ability to inspire a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. You will serve as a key member of the global operations leadership team, collaborating closely with R&D, commercial, and supply chain functions to ensure seamless new product introductions and alignment of manufacturing capabilities with market demands.

Key Responsibilities of VP, Manufacturing Technology with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Chicago,IL

The Vice President, Manufacturing Technology will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic planning, technical execution, and team leadership. Success in this role requires a blend of deep technical expertise, strong business acumen, and exceptional leadership skills.

Strategic Technology Leadership & Innovation

• Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, multi-year manufacturing technology roadmap that aligns with the company’s strategic business objectives and drives a sustainable competitive edge.
• Champion the evaluation and adoption of transformative digital manufacturing technologies and Industry 4.0 principles, including the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), robotics, and digital twins.
• Lead the technology scouting and assessment process, identifying emerging trends and potential breakthrough technologies relevant to specialty chemical manufacturing.
• Forge strong collaborative partnerships with R&D, IT, and business unit leaders to ensure the technology strategy supports new product development, market expansion, and long-term growth initiatives.

Process Engineering & Continuous Improvement

• Provide executive oversight for the central process engineering function, ensuring the application of rigorous chemical engineering principles to optimize safety, yield, quality, and cost across all manufacturing sites.
• Drive a robust continuous improvement culture, leveraging methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) to systematically identify and eliminate waste and inefficiency.
• Lead the development and implementation of advanced process control (APC) and automation strategies to enhance process stability, reduce variability, and optimize asset utilization.
• Sponsor and oversee critical process improvement projects, ensuring they are well-defined, properly resourced, and deliver measurable financial and operational benefits.

Capital Project Excellence & Execution

• Provide overarching technical governance for the company’s capital project portfolio, from conceptualization through commissioning and startup.
• Ensure the disciplined application of a robust front-end loading (FEL) or stage-gate process for all major capital investments to maximize project success and return on investment.
• Oversee the development of process design packages (PDPs) and partner with the capital projects group on detailed engineering, equipment selection, and construction.
• Serve as the ultimate technical authority for the commissioning and startup of new assets, ensuring they meet all safety, quality, and performance targets.

Technology Transfer & New Product Introduction

• Lead the critical function of scaling up new products and processes from the laboratory and pilot plant to full-scale, reliable commercial manufacturing.
• Establish and enforce standardized best practices for technology transfer to ensure speed, efficiency, and success in launching new products.
• Act as the primary bridge between the R&D and Operations organizations, facilitating effective communication and collaboration to overcome technical challenges during the scale-up process.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing, globally-minded team of engineers, scientists, and technical leaders.
• Foster an inclusive and collaborative culture that encourages innovation, calculated risk-taking, and a passion for technical excellence.
• Implement robust talent management and succession planning processes within the manufacturing technology organization to build a strong pipeline of future leaders.

Requirements for the VP, Manufacturing Technology with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Chicago, IL

The successful candidate will be a distinguished leader with a deep and comprehensive background in chemical manufacturing and technology. The specific requirements for this role are as follows:

Educational Background

• An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Chemical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline is strongly preferred.
• A Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from an accredited university is required.
• An MBA or other advanced degree in business management is highly desirable and considered a significant asset.

Professional Experience

• A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience in the chemical process industry, with a significant portion of that time spent within the specialty chemicals, fine chemicals, polymers, or pharmaceuticals sectors.
• At least 7-10 years of proven experience in a senior leadership role (Director-level or higher) with responsibility for managing large, multi-disciplinary technical teams and significant operating and capital budgets.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully leading a central or corporate engineering/technology function that supports multiple manufacturing sites.
• Extensive experience in managing the full lifecycle of capital projects, from concept and justification to successful execution and startup.

Technical Skills & Expertise

• Mastery of core chemical engineering principles, including reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and separation processes.
• Deep expertise in process scale-up, technology transfer, and process validation for complex chemical manufacturing processes.
• Proven experience with modern process simulation and modeling tools (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Strong knowledge of Process Safety Management (PSM), including HAZOP, LOPA, and other risk assessment methodologies.
• Familiarity and practical experience with implementing digital manufacturing technologies and continuous improvement methodologies.

Leadership & Business Acumen

• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business strategy.
• Proven ability to lead and influence in a matrixed, global organization.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels, from plant technicians to the Board of Directors.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience developing business cases, managing budgets, and demonstrating the financial impact of technology initiatives.
• Must be willing and able to travel domestically and internationally to manufacturing sites and partners as needed (estimated 25-30%).

Benefits & Perks Offered

Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:

• Executive Compensation: A highly competitive base salary, a lucrative annual performance-based bonus, and a significant long-term incentive plan (e.g., stock options, restricted stock units) designed to reward long-term value creation.
• Health & Wellness: Premium, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents. Access to executive wellness programs, mental health resources, and a robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Retirement & Financial Planning: A best-in-class 401(k) retirement savings plan featuring a generous company match and potential for additional profit-sharing contributions. Access to confidential financial planning and advisory services.
• Work-Life Integration: A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, paid company holidays, and comprehensive paid parental leave policies to support you and your family.
• Relocation Support: A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to the Chicago metropolitan area.
• Professional Growth: A dedicated budget for continuing education, attendance at key industry conferences, and participation in executive leadership development programs to support your ongoing professional journey.

How to Apply

This is an exclusive, retained search being conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary technology leader with the experience and passion to drive manufacturing excellence in the specialty chemicals industry, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role.

JRG Partners is a leader in executive recruitment for the manufacturing and technology sectors. Learn more about our expertise by visiting our Chemicals & Materials executive search practice page. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence. Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace.