ABOUT DEPARTER - THE KNOW-WHO PEOPLE
Departer is a leading German Executive Search firm with over 20 years of experience in global leadership recruitment. We specialize in placing executives in medium-sized enterprises and private equity portfolio firms across DACH, MEAI, ASIA, and ANZ regions. With a deep understanding of the DACH economy, we facilitate successful placements within global management teams across corporate headquarters and entities abroad.
Our client is a market leader in the chemical industry with innovative application forms. As Head of Technical Service, you will support the company's growth strategy by leading the Technical Service Team to grow the significant market share by providing customers with the best possible technical service while complying with all safety, quality, environmental, and compliance standards, on a global scale.
Your duties and responsibilities will include:
- Lead the global Technical Service Team to drive profitable growth
- Provide guidance and support to team members, manage HR processes, foster talent development, deliver feedback, and initiate hiring processes as needed
- Be prepared to dedicate a significant amount of time to travel for trials, resolving customer issues, and supporting team members
- Collaborate with the team to explore and capitalize on market opportunities in new export markets, contributing to global growth
- Address and resolve customer complaints, documenting them in the relevant database
- Organize and maintain technical and customer-related information in a structured local database
- Adhere strictly to safety guidelines both internally and at customer sites
- Define product specifications to guide the Quality Control department
- Assist production and Quality Control teams by providing advice to bring out-of-spec materials back within specifications, and offer technical support to current and potential customers
- Develop and propose profit-driven PU formulations by assessing new raw materials and following up through to customer approval
- Deliver safety talks and technical presentations to customers to ensure the safe handling of our chemicals
- Comply fully with internal guidelines, laws, and regulations at all times
- Report to the Head of Research and Development
To be successful in this role you should have the following skills and experiences:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical field. A Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant area is a plus
- At least 5 years of experience in a technical service, customer support, or related role in a global environment
- Proven track record in leading technical teams and driving growth in a manufacturing or chemical-related industry
- Experience in polyurethane (PU) formulations, production processes, or material science is highly preferred
- Solid background in customer complaint resolution and technical support
- Experience working with diverse international teams and markets
- Strong leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to inspire and guide teams towards success
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage with internal teams, customers, and stakeholders
- Ability to manage HR-related processes, including performance feedback, talent development, and recruitment
- Solid problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve technical issues efficiently
- Experience in market analysis and identifying business opportunities in new export markets
- Willingness to travel regularly (both domestically and internationally) for customer visits, trials, and team support
- Fluency in English (German language is a plus)
- Entrepreneurial spirit, self-motivated, and results-oriented
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, global environment with a focus on continuous improvement