Director of Technology – Heavy Industry

Overview

Kurita America is part of the Kurita Group, one of the leading water solutions providers in the world. Established in 1949, the Kurita Group is comprised of an international network of approximately 8000 employees located in 18 countries.

Located in Minneapolis, MN, Kurita America brings innovations to market through a holistic water management approach, incorporating state-of-the art equipment, chemistries, engineering, and services to conserve natural resources for a better, more sustainable world.

Kurita’s  corporate philosophy is to study the properties of water, master them and create an environment in which nature and humanity are in harmony

Title: Director of Technology – Heavy Industry

Location: US field

Pay: $225,000-250,000 plus bonus

Travel:  approx 50%

The Director of Technology – Heavy Industry provides strategic leadership for Kurita's refining and heavy industrial product portfolio by driving product strategy, lifecycle management, sourcing initiatives, and commercialization efforts. This role partners cross-functionally with Sales, Supply Chain, Operations, R&D, Finance, and Technical Services to optimize product performance, improve profitability, reduce supply chain risk, and strengthen Kurita's competitive position across refining and adjacent industrial markets.

The Director is responsible for developing a scalable product strategy platform that supports business growth through portfolio optimization, cost competitiveness, supplier development, technical positioning, and commercialization of proprietary technologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the strategic roadmap for Kurita's Heavy Industry product portfolio, including refining and adjacent industrial markets.
• Lead product lifecycle management, portfolio optimization, and commercialization of proprietary technologies.
• Drive sourcing strategies that improve supply continuity, reduce costs, and mitigate supply chain risk through supplier development and qualification.
• Partner with Sales, Technical Services, Supply Chain, Operations, R&D, and Finance to support product strategy, bid competitiveness, and business growth.
• Identify opportunities to improve product profitability, market positioning, and customer value through data-driven portfolio decisions.
• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive activity to support long-term business strategy.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives that improve product execution, operational efficiency, and commercial performance.
• Provide strategic technical leadership while fostering collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across the organization.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical discipline required.
• Master's degree or MBA preferred.

Experience

• 15+ years of progressive experience in refinery chemicals, specialty chemicals, industrial water treatment, petrochemical processing, or related industries.
• Extensive experience leading product strategy, product management, or technology organizations.
• Experience with product commercialization, portfolio management, and lifecycle management.
• Demonstrated success in supply chain strategy, sourcing, supplier development, and cost optimization.
• Experience partnering across Sales, Technical Services, Operations, R&D, Finance, and Supply Chain.
• Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional initiatives and influencing executive stakeholders.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities