Title: Technical and Marketing Specialist (TS&D Specialist)
Location: Remote in Texas, Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, New York, West Virginia, Florida.
Who we are:
Voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. Based in Tokyo, Japan. Kuraray has operations in 31 countries and employs more than 11,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.
Why Kuraray:
Kuraray is building a better tomorrow, today. Our team members are dedicated to expanding our business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability.
As a part of Kuraray America, Inc., our team shares the advantages of working for the leader in specialty chemicals, resins, and fibers. Our international presence and resources allow us to be a world-leading innovator in the industries we service. Yet, despite our size, our people are more than just a number. As a new team member, you can expect to earn responsibility quickly. Our commitment to our people is visible in our comprehensive benefits package. As a Kuraray team member, you will have the opportunity to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment.
Position summary:
As a Technical and Marketing Specialist, you will play a key role in assisting current and prospective customers with the technical qualifications and processing of AIS products. Your responsibilities include building and maintaining strong relationships with key industry contacts such as equipment suppliers, consultants, and participating in industry committees and organizations. You will also collaborate closely with Sales Managers to deliver value-added services to customers.
A critical part of your role will involve developing and implementing procedures for conducting basic quality tests on laminated safety glass. You will acquire extensive knowledge of the product approval process, building codes, and the specific testing requirements for hurricane-resistant products. This includes working directly with manufacturing plants to investigate and resolve interlayer quality issues and implementing necessary improvements.
Additionally, you will provide competitive analysis of interlayer products, investigate field failures, and prepare detailed reports including lamination, technical service, and project management insights for customers as needed. This position requires a deep technical understanding of laminated glass products, as well as a proactive approach to quality and customer service.
Responsibilities:
Provide technical service and process training to new and existing customers to ensure effective product use and optimized performance.
Collaborate with Sales and the Technical Service Manager to enhance customer relationships and identify opportunities for profitable business growth.
Work closely with hurricane system manufacturers to test and certify AIS products, ensuring compliance with relevant standards.
Actively participate in industry committees and organizations to stay informed on trends, contribute to industry standards, and represent the company.
Communicate test results from customer samples promptly, offering suggestions for improvement and solutions to technical challenges.
Interact with both local and global colleagues to maintain consistency in testing protocols and procedures across regions.
Develop and maintain relationships with industry equipment manufacturers to promote KIS products, drive growth and market penetration.
Ability to travel up to 50% in the Florida area
Minimum Qualifications:
B.S. in a technical discipline (Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics, or other related degree0
Minimum of 3 years of experience in related industry
Experience in technical or business development
Prior experience in designing or testing window systems is key to resolving test failures.
Experience with hurricane resistant systems
Outstanding verbal and written communication, presentation, interpersonal, creative thinking, consulting, and analytical skills.
Ability to prioritize work to manage multiple projects to meet deadlines.
Excellent problem-solving/decision-making skills.
Ability to multi-task
Candidates must have a valid driver's license.
Competencies:
Customer Focus
Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
Business Insight
Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals.
Cultivates Innovation
Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.
Action Oriented
Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
Ensures Accountability
Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
Drives Results
Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstance
Collaborates
Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
Values Difference
Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
Communicates Effectively
Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
Courage
Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
Instills Trust
Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
Situational Adaptability
Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
We offer a competitive compensation package that includes base pay and an annual incentive. This program is designed to reward individual performance and align overall rewards with corporate and team performance.
Our employees benefit from a robust healthcare package that includes wellness reimbursements, along with generous perks such as three weeks of paid time off, ten company holidays, paid parental leave, education reimbursement, and a matching 401k plan, among other offerings.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.
Kuraray America, Inc. is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, resin, and film production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities located in the United States and a vast network of supply from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products.
Our mission
We are committed to developing new fields of business using pioneering technology that improves the environment and enhances the quality of life throughout the world.
For people and the planet—to achieve what no one else can.
Our values
Respect for individuals
Cooperation to attain shared goals
The constant creation of new value
Safety: the cornerstone of everything we do
Kuraray is committed to being a safety leader in our industry, a good corporate citizen, and a great employer. We work continually to enhance safety and risk management by improving our operations processes. We give back to our communities by providing jobs, using local suppliers and operators, and supporting community activities and development. Our employees are dedicated to operating responsibly and acting to improve the community and environment we live in.