Director / Senior Director

INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT & HR EXPERTS ACROSS THE PLASTICS, PACKAGING, SPECIALITY CHEMICALS, LIFE SCIENCES, BIOPOLYMER, FOOD ADDITIVES & INGREDIENTS, ENERGY AND RECYCLING SECTORS SINCE 1975.

 

Director / Senior Director – PVC Polymerization & Process Development

Job ref: AZ/64936

 

About the Company:

This globally oriented advanced materials company specializing in vinyl-based polymers, with a strong foundation in polymerization science and industrial-scale execution, has built a vertically integrated platform spanning upstream chemical feedstocks to high-performance materials such as EVA, VAE, EVOH, and specialty PVC, serving leading global customers in adhesives, coatings, packaging, and engineered materials. With a growing international footprint and partnerships with industry leaders, this organisation is positioned as an emerging global player in high-value polymer materials.

There is a strong commitment to innovation and its ability to translate research into industrial reality. The company invests heavily in R&D, supported by a world-class innovation platform that integrates lab-scale discovery, pilot validation, and full-scale commercialization.

With a team of experienced scientists and access to advanced polymerization and analytical infrastructure, they are actively pushing into high-barrier materials such as next-generation bio-based polymer, etc.

For candidates, this offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting-edge polymer science and real-world impact—where ideas can rapidly scale into global products, and where technical leadership directly shapes the future direction of the company.

 

Role Summary:

This position is responsible for the development and industrialization of suspension PVC and specialty PVC products. The core objective is to establish a complete technical pathway from laboratory development and pilot validation to full-scale industrial production, while continuously optimizing product performance and production stability.
This role is positioned as an R&D leader with a strong focus on industrialization and commercialization outcomes.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

1. Product Development
· Lead the development and optimization of the following product areas:
o Suspension vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer resins
o General suspension PVC resins
o Impact-modified suspension PVC resins
o Plasticizer-free PVC
o Matte (low-gloss) PVC resins

· Develop overall plans from laboratory scale to full industrial production
· Define technical approaches and execution plans for each stage (lab → pilot → plant)
· Evaluate project outcomes and drive corrective actions and continuous optimization

 

2. R&D Management
· Define R&D strategy and phased development objectives
· Manage project timelines, priorities, and resource allocation
· Lead teams to deliver key milestones from development to industrialization

 

3. Technical Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement
· Help resolve technical issues in production (e.g., process fluctuations, instability, quality deviations)
· Continuously support optimizing process conditions and product performance to improve efficiency and consistency

 

Requirements:

 

1. 30+ years of experience in suspension PVC R&D or production
· Extensive experience in suspension PVC, including roles in R&D, production, or process optimization
· Proven track record covering the full project lifecycle from laboratory development to pilot validation and industrial production
· Hands-on experience in handling production abnormalities and ensuring long-term operational stability
· Experience working across functions (R&D, production, quality, engineering), with the ability to drive implementation in manufacturing environments

 

2. Deep expertise in suspension PVC process, formulation, and production
· Strong understanding of suspension PVC polymerization mechanisms and key process parameters
· Proven capability in formulation design and optimization based on target product performance
· Familiarity with process differences and key control points across different scales (lab, pilot, industrial plants)
· Ability to identify and resolve technical issues in production

 

3. Familiarity with downstream applications and testing of suspension PVC
· Understanding of performance requirements and indicators across major PVC applications
· Knowledge of common testing methods and evaluation metrics
· Ability to translate downstream application requirements into polymerization and formulation design
· Experience communicating with customers or application teams to convert market needs into R&D objectives

 

 

Please understand that due to the expected high number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly

 

 

 

For reasons of better legibility, the simultaneous use of the language forms male, female and diverse (f/m/d) is avoided. All personal designations apply equally to all genders.

 

To apply please contact Andy Zanin
Andy.zanin@listgrove.com
0044 (0) 1789 207070

CONNECT WITH ME ON LINKEDIN.

 

Why select Listgrove?
· Five Decades of Market Intelligence
· Unrivalled Industry Networks
· Recognised International brand
· HR Qualified Professionals

To hear from our clients on how we have supported their search for talent and HR needs, please visit Listgrove’s Case Studies page.

 

Throughout 2026 & 2027 you can meet with Listgrove at the following exhibitions:
Interpack, France Innovation Plasturgie, Interplas UK, Plast Milan, Fakuma, ArabPlast, NPE 2027.

 

Performance through People.

Please visit www.listgrove.com for more information on our services, global success and testimonials.

Listgrove Limited Registered in England No: 01197713