Technical Director

Job Overview

The Technical Director serves as the senior technical leader for CyCan Industries and is responsible for overseeing Technical Services, Quality, Regulatory, and Environmental Health & Safety functions. This position provides strategic direction and hands-on leadership across multiple departments to ensure product quality, regulatory compliance, innovation, and operational excellence.

The Technical Director leads formulation development activities, quality assurance programs, regulatory initiatives, and technical support efforts while partnering closely with Operations, Sales, Purchasing, and Executive Leadership. This role requires an individual with extensive formulation expertise, strong project management capabilities, and the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced chemical manufacturing environment.

The Technical Director plays a critical role in bringing new products from concept through commercialization, supporting plant operations, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring all products and processes comply with applicable regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for Technical Services, Quality, Regulatory, and Environmental Health & Safety functions.
• Lead and develop multi-disciplinary teams, including Chemists, Quality personnel, and regulatory staff.
• Oversee formulation development, optimization, validation, and commercialization of aerosol, canister, and bulk chemical products.
• Direct multiple technical and operational projects simultaneously, ensuring timely execution and successful completion.
• Manage the stage-gate process for new product development from concept through full-scale production.
• Provide technical support to Production and Operations teams related to formulation issues, manufacturing challenges, and process improvements.
• Partner closely with Plant leadership to troubleshoot manufacturing issues, improve efficiencies, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Establish and maintain robust quality assurance systems for raw materials, in-process production, and finished goods.
• Oversee quality investigations, customer complaints, root cause analyses, corrective actions, and product non-conformances.
• Ensure all products and manufacturing activities comply with applicable federal, state, and industry regulations.
• Maintain knowledge of evolving regulatory requirements impacting chemical manufacturing, aerosols, adhesives, coatings, and consumer products.
• Provide regulatory guidance regarding product classifications, labeling, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), VOC requirements, transportation, and customer compliance inquiries.
• Review and approve technical documentation including specifications, formulations, SDSs, Certificates of Analysis, and test methods.
• Collaborate with Purchasing on raw material evaluations, alternate sourcing initiatives, and supplier qualification activities.
• Support customer-facing technical discussions, product investigations, and troubleshooting activities.
• Establish departmental goals, KPIs, budgets, and performance metrics.
• Prepare and present technical reports, project updates, and strategic recommendations to Executive Leadership.
• Drive a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA Process Safety, Hazard Communication, Environmental permitting, waste management, and workplace safety requirements.
• Oversee laboratory operations, testing protocols, equipment maintenance, and technical resource planning.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA Process Safety, Hazard Communication, Environmental permitting, waste management, and workplace safety requirements.
• Recruit, mentor, develop, and retain high-performing technical, quality, and regulatory personnel.
• Development and management of NPD (Stage Gate) process

Requirements

• · Bachelor's degree in Chemistry required. Master's degree or MBA preferred.
• · Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in chemical manufacturing, formulation, and technical leadership.
• · Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience managing technical, quality, or regulatory teams.
• · Extensive experience developing and commercializing chemical formulations, preferably adhesives, coatings, solvents, cleaners, or aerosol products.
• · Strong knowledge of quality assurance systems, laboratory operations, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• · Demonstrated expertise in regulatory compliance related to chemical manufacturing, including OSHA, EPA, DOT, VOC regulations, GHS, SDS development, and product labeling.
• · Proven ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and cross-functional initiatives simultaneously.
• · Strong project management and organizational skills.
• · Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• · Strong business acumen with the ability to balance technical requirements with operational and commercial objectives.
• · Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and ERP systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• · Experience in aerosol and canister manufacturing.
• · Experience supporting private label manufacturing operations.
• · Experience managing Environmental Health & Safety programs.
• · Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, ASQ, or Project Management certifications.
• · Experience interacting directly with customers, regulatory agencies, and external auditors.

Working Conditions

• All at CyCan positions (hourly and salary) at times require overtime and weekend work.
• Light travel may be required.

• Exposure to chemicals, raw materials, and production equipment.
• On-site role in both production and laboratory environment.
• Use of PPE required at times in designated areas.