Objectives of the position:

50% Local Application Technology Team lead in South East Asia (SEA):

• To lead customer application technology team and application labs
• To support business success with application developments, process optimizations, treatment of customer samples and support of approvals

50% Technical Field Support (TFS) for customer lines in SEA - focus on Automotive OEM, including:

• To support new line start-ups/switches
• Troubleshooting activities at customer site including chemical analysis and application tests
• To use combination of technical expertise, problem-solving abilities and effective communication skills internally and externally
• Survey key/strategic accounts and provide continuous improvement suggestions and support

Main responsibilities:

Local Application Technology team lead in SEA

• To support the SEA Managing Directors regarding the alignment/development of application technologies to achieve business goals and support the implementation of the local strategy
• To drive operational leadership of lab in SEA, including HR topics (Performance Management, salary review); ensure EHS and quality standards and regulations implementation; organization and prioritization of lab work
• Monitor lab capacities and capabilities in accordance with business needs and ensure efficient resource utilization and provide proposals for necessary adaptations
• To compile local application technologies budget for CAPEX and HC together with local management
• To implement and follow up business rules for the prioritization of customer orders
• To support product development and adaptation work from application and lab service activities with budget booking from Streamline
• To take responsibility for localization for all products in SEA

Technical field support - Customer-Centric Technical Expertise

• Responsible and accountable for effectively supporting customers on-site, addressing both immediate troubleshooting needs and long-term process optimization including onsite laboratory simulations of field scenarios
• Proficient in technical procedures and Chemetall product application know how, with the capacity to oversee new line start-ups, quality checks and troubleshooting.
• Support new line start‑ups/switches — including bath make‑up calculations, initial parameter checks, stabilization and alignment on corrective actions with local teams based on first‑production results
• Consult on new‑plant layout design and plant optimization initiatives
• Supporting sales and segments gaining new customer projects

Job requirements and qualifications:

• Min. Bachelor’s degree (MSc preferred) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related field
• At least five (5) years' experience in Surface Treatment
• Good verbal and written English skills, fluent in reading, writing and speaking
• Strong foundation knowledge in chemical pretreatment processes, customer line and laboratory equipment, operation and troubleshooting
• Strong interpersonal and team collaboration skills
• Intercultural skills working in multi-cultural team
• Self-motivated, proactive with a demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and within a team
• Highly flexible to priority changes and open to travel ~ 50%