At Quaker Houghton, we make the essentials of everyday life possible and enable innovative approaches for a positive future. Our customers include the world’s most advanced and specialized automotive, steel, aluminum, aerospace, offshore, can and mining companies. Based in every corner of the world, our people are passionate about what we do.
About The Job
As the Global Director Engineering, a senior leadership role responsible Engineer Center of Excellence. This position integrates technical insight, strategic leadership, and operational management to drive innovation and align global engineering initiatives with corporate objectives. The role demands stewardship of complex engineering systems, adherence to regulatory standards, and cultivation of a high-performance, collaborative culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Global Engineering Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive global engineering strategy that supports business growth, product development, and operational efficiency in multiple regions.
- Leadership and Team Development: Lead and mentor regional engineering teams, project managers, and technical specialists. Foster cross-functional collaboration, talent development, and knowledge sharing.
- Project Portfolio Oversight: Oversee major engineering programs, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality and compliance standards.
- Process Excellence: Standardize engineering processes, tools, and best practices across the network with a focus on key platforms. Platforms include esterification optimization, system standardization (PCL, MES), and other critical elements drive continuous improvements to better serve our customers.
- Innovation and Technical Guidance: Advise on complex engineering problems, emerging technologies, and new methodologies. Guide R&D and technical implementation to optimize chemical processes and product performance.
- Compliance, Safety, and Risk Management: Ensure global adherence to environmental, health, safety, and regulatory standards. Lead risk assessments and mitigation strategies for engineering operations.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with executive leadership, manufacturing, supply chain, and product teams to align engineering activities with corporate objectives, market demands, and customer needs.
- Resource and Budget Management: Manage the capital project process which includes all functions. Building a multi-year capital plan for critical platforms.
What do we offer?
- Remote working arrangement for better work-life balance
- Health insurance, pension plan and additional benefits
- Holiday buy/sell program
- 2 annual days of paid volunteering leave
- QH University: continuous learning and leadership development opportunities
- Strong focus on wellbeing, mental health, inclusion & DEI
What are we looking for?
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or relevant Engineering field; advanced degrees (MS, MBA, or PhD) preferred. Professional licensing (PE or equivalent) a plus.
- Experience: Minimum 10–15 years of engineering leadership experience in the chemical industry or analogous sectors, including managing multi-site or international teams.
- Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of chemical engineering processes, plant operations, process scale-up, and production technologies. Familiarity with automation, sustainability, and regulatory frameworks.
- Leadership Skills: Proven ability to develop high-performing teams, provide mentorship, and drive organizational transformation.
- Project Management: Experience managing large-scale, cross-border projects with complex technical and regulatory requirements.
- Analytical and Problem-Solving Abilities: Skilled at interpreting technical data, troubleshooting, and making data-driven decisions.
- Global Perspective: Experience navigating cross-cultural teams, international regulations, and diverse operational environments.
Location
This position will be based on the corporate head quarters in Conshohocken.
Conclusion
The Global Engineering Director plays a strategic and operationally critical role within a specialized chemical company, combining technical mastery, leadership acumen, and global businesinsight to drive successful engineering outcomes and foster organizational excellence.
Who are we?
We are a global leader in industrial process and mechanical engineering present in 40+ countries. We are continually improving and innovating so the world’s industrial manufacturers can stay ahead in a changing world. Throughout our 100+ locations, our engineers, chemists and industry experts partner with our customers to play a key role in helping them run even more efficiently, even more effectively, whatever comes next.
Our values: Live Safe, Exceed Customer Expectations, Drive Results, Embrace Diversity and Do Great Things Together.