JOB PURPOSE

The job holder acts as a coach, supporting the more junior team members to ensure the effectiveness of the Research Unit. He/she should apply intensive and diversified knowledge of material characterisation (from both APS and/or MAS areas), transformation process and polymerisation technologies in broad areas of assignments, ensuring the resolution of unprecedented research problems. The job holder will work as a cluster leader and mentor for a given polymer characterisation area (from APS or MAS). He/she should consistently improve the performance of the cluster. This position is a recognized international authority/expert within more than one area of expertise (from APS  and/or MAS). At this level he/she should proactively develop and train team members at lower levels, within at least one area of expertise (from APS and/or MAS). Proactive input to development projects and support on customer developments are a requirement for this level. He/she should proactively monitor external developments in own field, leading and exploring new research techniques and concepts. The position holder should act as interface between different groups, e.g., R&D groups, Laboratories, Business Units, Marketing, IPR and external customers.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Job Specific Accountabilities

Laboratory Testing

3. • Plans, schedules, conducts or coordinates detailed phases of work for projects while continually interpreting and aligning research program with key business goals and objectives.
   • Could perform, review and approve all technical analysis data entry to the system according to defined specifications.
   • Follows all relevant departmental policies, processes, standard operating procedures and instructions so that work is carried out in a controlled and consistent manner.
   • Motivates, coaches and supports team members to ensure they have the capability to deliver research project objectives as per world class quality standards.
   • Coordinates and integrates the projects which are assigned to lower levels in order to ensure the correct complete solutions are found and implemented.
   • Evaluates and interprets data from more than one area of expertise from APS and/or MAS, and reports results to project owners for use in the ongoing project. Could technically approve reports on multiple applications independently, prepared by levels below.
   • Anticipates and solves unprecedented research problems, determines program objectives and develops standards and guides while providing key technical contributions with strategic/long term impact for the business.
   • Has excellent understanding of patenting process, claims writing, FTO evaluations and agreements. With some credit for publications, patents. Is involved in technical consultancy (e.g., ISO meetings, test method descriptions, new methods, etc) to IPR.
   • Leads/explores new research techniques, and concepts which will enhance the product development and research processes in order to achieve Borouge’s business objectives.
   • Steers, provides guidelines and instructions, required for validation of test methods in the assigned areas, as conceived by levels below.

Laboratory Quality Management

3. • Plans and defines tasks required to performing technical evaluation of new equipment,.
   • Defines and supervises inter-laboratory round-robins and proficiency testing programs within his area of expertise and possibly other areas from APS and/or MAS.
   • Defines and supervises maintenance protocols, reference materials and tools required for verifications, calibrations and control checks within his/her area of expertise and possibly other areas from APS and/or MAS.
   • Defines and supervises corrective and Preventive Action & Maintenance pertinent to his/her area and possibly other areas form APS and/or MAS.
   • Defines and supervises method calibration procedures in his assigned area and possibly other areas with APS and/or MAS; defines and supervises necessary actions as well as follow-up in case of equipment malfunction or deviations. Might act as contact with External Equipment Suppliers, in case of malfunction and deviations.
   • Makes proposals for experimental approaches, test methodologies and equipments. Evaluates feasibility of proposals, associated costs and prepares investment proposals as required. Seeks approval from higher levels.

Laboratory Safety

3. • Complies with all safety and fire rules and regulations, including the use of protective clothing and equipment and ensures that all personnel working in his area comply with safety regulations.
   • Participates in Observation Tours and other HSE initiatives, contributing to increased health, environmental awareness and safety performance.
   • Ensures application of good housekeeping in the laboratory, maintaining all related files and records.

Other Accountabilities

3. • Performs theoretical training of Laboratory Staff and other Research and Business Groups, covering more than one area of expertise.
   • He/she should act as a mentor to the levels below, coaching and identifying missing competencies, within APS and/or MAS. Appropriate guidance on the plans required to develop and/ or improve competencies should be given by this job holder.
   • Assumes a role model for levels below across all organization, in areas of instrument and area custodianship, housekeeping and HSE compliant behavior.
   • Is deputy for higher levels and Lab Management (on at least four areas of expertise within APS and/or MAS).
   • Identifies, proposes and reviews required IDP plans for lower levels (as agreed with levels above). Committed to updating his/her relevant professional and supervisory skills via IDP.
   • Undertakes regular proactive contacts customers in project work and understands the current and future market requirements. Represents Borouge as an expert in certain area.
   • Submits, presents and reviews technical papers, involving multiscale characterisation, to various conferences, global/local research institutions/ universities and scientific societies to support the optimisation of technology transfer to Borouge. Can act as Chairperson on Conferences involving several fields of expertise. Can be a member of ISO committee based on their expertise.
   • Provides technical direction to lower levels team members and guidance in several areas of expertise (from APS and/or MAS) to assist in resolving problems. Responsible for hand-on training and qualification of lower levels within more than one field of expertise.
   • Is internationally recognized individual in more than one area of expertise (from APS and/or MAS). Has good understanding of business and market needs.

COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal

3. • Interacts with Laboratory Manager, other Managers, Researchers, Technicians, Laboratory Safety and Quality, secretarial, maintenance personnel, Business Units, Marketing, and IPR.

External

3. • Develops and maintains effective relationships with all relevant internal departments and external entities such Local and Global Research Service Providers, consultants, local & government authorities, etc, with highest standards of business ethics, whilst promptly attending to all critical issues in-order to ensure the services required by the organization are delivered in the most effective manner
   • Interacts with other relevant external material characterisation experts, e.g. Borealis Group (Functional Expertise Networks), and internationally recognized Experts from Universities and External Research Institutes and other characterisation experts from External customers
   • The position holder should acts as interface between different groups, e.g., R&D groups, Laboratories, Business Units, Marketing, IPR and external customers

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Minimum Qualification

3. • PhD in Polymer Science & Technology or equivalent.
   • Excellent understanding of patenting process, claim writing, FTO evaluations and agreements. With some credit for publications, patents.
   • Significant knowledge on competitor and other external Research Institutes capabilities in what regards characterisation methods within at least 2 different areas of expertise within APS and/or MAS.
   • Excellent general knowledge of polymer chemistry and physics. Very good knowledge of polymeric materials, application of plastics, processing technology, basic techniques of analytical chemistry, metrology and principles of laboratory quality.
   • Excellent knowledge of the process from polymers to products.
   • In depth knowledge of research methodologies. Significant understanding of business and market needs.
   • Excellent understanding of Borouge’s products and good understanding of competitor products.

Minimum Experience & Knowledge & Skills

3. • 15 years of relevant research and laboratory experience.
   • Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English, other languages desirable.
   • Demonstrates creativity, foresight, and mature judgments in conducting research programs, developing new technologies, and developing standards and methods for others to follow.
   • IT proficiency.
   • Relevant research experience on a broader range of fields, including polimerisation technologies, manufacturing/material conversion processes, material characterisation (analytics & other relevant mechanical and end properties).
   • Experience in training, mentoring and coaching technicians and researchers.

Professional Certifications

• Education documents as listed above

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

TCL core competences are listed below, non-core competences are defined and skill level to be mapped for the job holder.

3. • Awareness - Got aware of this topic by reading literature or from lectures. Has been participating in a project or work were this matter has been addressed by others.
   • Knowledge - Is familiar with details about this topic. Can follow discussions and understand related content in reports. Sees links to other relevant techniques or matters.
   • Skill - Can apply knowledge about this topic to work independently. Understands correlations with related competences. Can explain the matter and teach it to others.
   • Master - Can lead workstreams on this matter, can develop it further. Is able to train and coach on this topic, is known internally as a subject matter expert. Has successfully build correlations to related competences.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

Strategic Perspective & Commercial Acumen

Look at issue with abroad view to achieve corporate objectives from medium to long term. Think ahead and prepare for the future. Understand external expectations and influences on the organisations or function. Identify common goals, and interests from a commercial perspective

3. • Building strategy; Contribute to the conceptualisation and development of strategy
   • Communicating strategy; Actively filter and translate unit objectives into divisional strategies emphasising inter-relationships
   • Raising awareness; Raise awareness and understanding of PESTLE (political, economic, social, technological, legal, environmental) changes and the potential effect on the organisation
   • Cost control; Demonstrate the use of cost control practices to maximise value
   • Financial data; Ensure financial resources are monitored and used appropriately and in accordance with financial policy
   • Adapting strategy; Realign team objectives with organisational vision and strategy
   • Budget; Monitor financial performance and efficiency of own team, ensuring delivery of work within budget

Problem Solving & Decision Making

Utilize a systematic, logical data driven approach to investigate problems. Develop practical solutions based on sound judgment and make timely decisions

3. • Information analysis; Review complex information and draws logical conclusions quickly.
   • Questioning; Encourage others to question established work processes or assumptions
   • Knowledge gathering; Gather information and ideas from outside to better inform decisions
   • Alignment; Present proposed solutions that include risk assessment and management considering the overriding impact
   • Effective decision making; Make effective and timely decisions, even when data is limited
   • Courage; Confidently challenge the status quo and makes objective decisions
   • Risk Management; Encourage others in the team to make decisions in their own area of expertise, and take appropriate risks

Change & Innovation

The capacity to be flexible, agile and constantly seek innovative ways to approach job requirements and challenges; to adjust rapidly to new situations & organizational changes and implement new ideas to drive Borouge's business objectives

3. • Innovative culture; Use appropriate mechanisms which stimulates creative thought and recognises new ideas
   • Supporting creativity; Encourage others to share innovative and creative ideas and creates a team culture that supports the process
   • Relevance check; Ensure new ideas align with divisional strategies and identify situations appropriate for innovations
   • Responding to change; Encourage the division to respond positively to new experiences and to embrace change
   • Change implementation; Implement changes successfully through effective utilisation of change plans and resources
   • Impact of change; Monitor the impact of change in their division and responds to consequences accordingly
   • Dealing with resistance; Act as a change agent to highlight the benefits of change and deal with resistance accordingly

Foster Collaboration

The ability to work effectively with people and build relationships to facilitate mutually beneficial outcomes

3. • Positive reinforcement; Promote inter-team success across divisions
   • Encourage input; Foster an atmosphere where everyone is able to voice their concerns or ideas without fear of criticism, or ridicule
   • Information sharing; Embed teamwork and information sharing in daily operations
   • Teamwork culture; Build trust based relationships and effective teams
   • Culture and diversity; Show sensitivity for different points of view and the underlying motivations values and needs of others
   • Conflict handling; Address conflict promptly and constructively through the implementation of appropriate conflict resolution strategies
   • Managing interests; Create win-win situations with other teams or stakeholders

Develop Talent

Motivate others by providing direction and inspiration. Continuously seeks to develop value adding capabilities and competencies of self and others through, coaching, constructive feedback and learning and development opportunities

3. • Empowerment; Delegate responsibility and authority effectively to develop people’s capabilities and technical expertise
   • Dealing with poor performance; Effectively manage poor performance issues guiding others towards excellence
   • Feedback & development; active in support and development by acting as a coach and mentor
   • Direction; Provide staff with clear direction and objectives, ensuring they understand expectations
   • Reward & recognition; Apply appropriate rewards for the purpose of recognising and enhancing optimal performance
   • Learning; Motivate and inspire others to perform to their best encouraging them to learn and reflect
   • Well-being; Integrate THE OWNERS's well-being values in daily operations

Communicating & Influencing

The capacity to present clear, transparent and effective two-way communication to expand understanding and influence others

3. • Clarity and transparency; Promote open, honest and transparent communication and information sharing processes
   • Building an argument; Persuade others, using evidence based knowledge, modifying approach to deliver message effectively
   • Influencing others; Use a range of skills and strategies to persuade and influence various target audiences
   • Achieving agreement; Synthesis the complex viewpoints of others, recognise where compromise is necessary and brokers agreement
   • Communication effectiveness; Challenge the views of others in an open and constructive way
   • 2-way communication & active listening; Able to convey information clearly and consistently in one-to-one settings, inter-departmental meetings and public presentations
   • Information cascade; Make sure that information is cascaded accurately and people receive correct and consistent messages

Drive excellence

The drive to meet or exceed performance objectives and deliver business results. Focus on stakeholder satisfaction both internal/external and deliver a quality service or product to the agreed standards

3. • Managing own performance; Take the initiative to gather feedback from various departments to improve own performance
   • Result focus; Assess the means to increase probability of reaching ambitious objectives and mitigates the risk
   • Commitment; Embody a 'can-do' attitude and work outside his / her comfort zone to develop new opportunities
   • Initiative; Take responsibility for resolving issues both within, and where necessary outside, their normal remit.
   • External customers; Actively work with key customers and stakeholders to resolve complex problems and respond to requirements
   • Internal customer focus; Use customer feedback loops to continuously improve processes and services
   • Managing Expectations; Manage customer expectations, so they are high but realistic

Planning & Organizing

Plan ahead and works in a systematic and organized way. Monitor progress towards objectives

3. • Prioritizing; Effectively manage multiple priorities
   • Planning; Implement the use of planning tools and processes for effective integration to ensure congruence across divisions
   • Objective setting; Translate business objectives into team and divisional objectives.
   • Monitoring; Build controls and contingencies into projects to account for changing work priorities, deadlines and milestones
   • Deliverables; Monitor allocation of resources, anticipating changing requirements that may impact work delivery
   • Improvement; Embody a culture of continuous quality improvement relating to tasks and objectives
   • Drive for success; Take an energetic and enthusiastic approach, seeing things through to completion, and inspiring others to do the same

WORK CONDITION

Physical Effort

3. • Regular working hours, where the jobholder will be preparing test sample. This will include exposure to chemicals, operate testing instrument and/or conversion equipment which include working closer to moving parts, hot surfaces and winding equipment, operating lifting equipment, and other respective operations within the laboratory.
   • Regular office work, and walk around to interact with various internal and external stakeholders, participating in department meetings, and attending training and seminars for the team.

Work Environment

3. • Office and Laboratories are located in Borouge Innovation Centre in Sas Al Nakhl in Abu Dhabi, UAE. For the majority of the time in an air-conditioned environment
   • Frequently, exposed to the controlled climate for the laboratories in when performing the daily activities.
   • As required, undertakes business trips to Ruwais site, Borouge’s Offices in Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Borealis collaboration meetings and operation site.