Job Description

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IPEX is one of the North American leading providers of advanced plastic piping systems. Our mission is to shape a better tomorrow by connecting people with water and energy.

We currently have an exciting opportunity as a Research and Development Manager. This role is based in our Clarkson location in and reports to the Director of Research and Development.

Do not miss the opportunity to join a diverse group of people-centric professionals, thought leaders and rapid thinkers, entrepreneurs in spirit and status quo-fighters!

Job Summary

IPEX Technologies Inc. has an exciting opportunity for a Research & Development Manager to be located at its state of the art R&D Centre of Excellence in Mississauga, Ontario.

IPEX is the North American leader, designs and manufactures one of the world's most diverse lines of integrated thermoplastic piping systems-pipe, valves, fittings, auxiliary components and tools. Our products, developed and engineered from inception to product launch, address our municipal, industrial, electrical and mechanical customer's most challenging applications. Our commitment to deliver innovative, value added products that provide our customers with competitive advantage is at the core of everything we do.

Leading our talented, world class team of scientists and engineers, and with the support of state of the art scientific and engineering research, facilities and testing capabilities, you will drive and accelerate the launch of new products to the market, the development of advanced polymer compounds to enhance IPEX's leadership position in thermoplastic piping solutions, as well as supporting internal and external stakeholders with scientific and technical support requirements. You will coordinate, manage and report on a wide range of activities ensuring projects are delivered on time, budget and meet project scope and stakeholder objectives.

Principal Responsibilities

• Day to day oversight, mentoring and coaching of R&D Team Leaders and R&D staff
• Assist to identify, guide and manage research and development programs that will deliver short, medium- and long-term benefits to the organization.
• Contribute to fast paced and cross functional teams by assisting in the development of new and improved state of the art polymer structure / formulations for specified piping systems.
• Oversight and distribution of incoming projects / business support requests to R&D team
• Promotes and fosters collaboration between R&D teams and cross functional teams
• Ensure project / departmental milestones are met and adhere to departmental and corporate goals and objectives
• Final approval of technical reports generated by R&D teams intended for stakeholder consumption
• Oversight and responsible for all material science development
• Oversight and development of departmental databases to ensure data capture for future utilization
• Provides scientific / engineering and technical guidance to R&D team leaders, R&D staff and corporate stakeholders
• Oversight of departmental collaboration of business units / stakeholders and foster multi-disciplinary approach to problem solving
• Drives continuous improvements initiatives within R&D to improve application of science and technology and implement best practices for general use.
• Oversight and development of standard operating procedures
• Has the authority to explore and investigate technologies and scientific developments within the plastic pipe and fittings industry and adjacent industries
• Verifies that the technologies provides the novelties and technical advancement
• Provide guidance of the project teams involved with the new technology investigation and research
• Oversight of departmental health and safety requirements
• Work collaboratively and analytically in a problem solving environment demonstrating teamwork, innovation and excellence
• As a key team member, represent the R&D group within and outside the organization
• Liaise with the Innovation and Product Design Group to support new product development
• Support North American legal group as required
• Visit suppliers and vendors as required
• Ensure collection and reporting of SRED hours and costs

Requirements:

Education & Experience:

• Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Chemical engineering, Material Science or Chemistry Or Degree in Polymer Science, Chemical engineering, Material Science or Chemistry
• 5-10 years previous leadership experience a must
• 10 + years experience in a similar industry or 5-10 years experience in the plastics industry
• In-depth knowledge of structure-property-performance relationship, polymer/additive characterization and polymer processing;
• Extrusion and injection moulding experience a must
• Proven track record of having successfully led teams in launching new products preferred
• Experience in the vinyl industry is an asset
• Ability to work on multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Oversee and approve technical reports derived from clear, concise and up-to-date lab notes
• Knowledge and experience in Design of Experiments (DOE) would be an asset
• Excellent communication (listening, oral and written) and interpersonal skills to compliment superior problem solving abilities
• Must be driven, structured, results oriented with positive and professional attitude
• Ability to collaborate across geographical, business units and manufacturing plants as a cross-functional team member within IPEX

• In depth knowledge, of a variety of lab instruments, understand real life service conditions and equipment utilization to optimize outcomes such as FTIR, GCMS, DSC, TGA, Instron Tester, Blending, Compounding Experience.
• Experience having worked with MiniTab preferred
• Knowledge and experience in R&D enterprise software is an asset

IPEX is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and, upon request, will work with qualified job applicants to provide suitable accommodation in a manner that takes into account the applicant's accessibility needs due to disability. Accommodation requests are available to candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process for IPEX jobs. To request an accommodation, please contact HR at