Principal Chemical Engineer, Innovation, Asia

Who We Are

At Brooks, we believe movement is the key to feeling more alive. That’s why we’re driven to create gear and experiences that take people to the place that makes them feel more alive — whether it’s a headspace, a feeling, or a finish line.

Everyone who works at Brooks is propelled by a company culture that sparks excitement, fuels collaboration, inspires creativity, and ignites innovation.

Our brand values help bond us together and drive our success

Runner First

• We act in the best interest of the runner
• Word is Bond
• We do what we say we’ll do

Champion Heart

• We give our all in everything we do
• There is no “I” in Run
• We stay generous with our humanity

Keep Moving

• We find ways to move every day, because joy is kinetic!
• We welcome everyone from every walk of life looking to inspire others through the power of movement - because we’re all moving towards something. Let’s run there.

Your Responsibilities

• Responsible for leading, mentoring and driving global Material Science project teams on our most complex and impactful innovation initiatives with the goal of creating new materials and processes.
• Own the long-term compound research strategy and execution to achieve leadership in running performance technology
• Lead with specialized knowledge of advanced materials and manufacturing processes to create new materials innovations to enhance the overall performance of product and deliver technical solutions at the highest level for our most challenging runner problems.
• Own the Materials Formulary and maintain our working plan for all key compounds under development
• Lead the buildout of a system of key research university partnerships and relationships with critical materials suppliers that will allow us to create a long term leadership position in performance materials.
• Provide technical guidance, coaching, consultation, and training for the Material Science team to foster a culture of collaboration, excellence, optimism, learning and personal development to build a pipeline of talent.
• Participate in the creation of the advanced research and development calendar and processes and effectively manage and guide key innovation programs (related collections of projects to achieve a goal).
• Act as a key member of the innovation technical leads with responsibility to actively participate in project reviews and feedback, build consensus with other Managers, and deliver projects to completion through the Innovation Process.
• Participate in high level strategic discussions and provide guidance to ensure successful development and execution of the assigned R&D portfolio having direct impact and oversight on functional projects.
• Proven ability to lead, influence and gain buy-in and trust across the function and enterprise without command/ control to meet strategic objectives.
• Act as a key contributor to the Innovation roadmap defining the tools, technology and people resources required to deliver upon strategies. Advise Innovation leadership on the optimal path forward to achieve strategies.
• Ability to inform the weighing of significant product decisions and anticipate how each weighed option may affect our customers, our partners, our products or other departments’ operations and/or morale;
• Act as role model, mentoring and raising the technical aptitude of the entire team;
• Ensure footwear and apparel teams can meet long-term Sustainability goals through projects driven by the Innovation team
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Footwear, Apparel, Merchandising, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, Business, Operations) to establish product validation & specifications, resource planning, costing, manufacturing scale up, process adherence and opportunity for improvement
• International and domestic travel as required to achieve a high level of product and technology development, including visits to manufacturing and supplier home countries/ factories to assist and review testing, commercialization and production.
• Participate in key business and cultural milestones (evaluations, shows, etc.) and organize team training, events, and travel that help build cohesiveness and trust
• May manage up to one direct report and act as a workstream lead for a team of technical experts.

Your Qualifications

• Masters or Doctorate in Chemical Engineering or Polymer Materials Science (or equivalent experience).
• Proven leadership experience in a complex organization with an ability to mentor and influence in a collaborative, cross-functional matrixed group to meet strategic objectives
• 10+ years of proven experience in connecting fundamental materials science with product application engineering. Experience with footwear is a large benefit.
• Prior experience managing technical associates is a plus.
• Strong Project Management skills with a keen attention to detail in planning, organization and execution of tasks (self and through others), while still seeing the big picture and understanding how all the pieces fit together and affect one another.
• Strong presentation skills, and excellent written and verbal communication skills in a multi-cultural setting, with an advanced ability to communicate new ideas, complex concepts and functional expertise in a learning environment and influencing key internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to develop highly productive relationships with individuals and teams that are made up of diverse disciplines and cultural backgrounds resulting in effective working relationships across the company.
• Proven ability to lead, collaborate with and influence cross-functional peers in the innovation process
• Must be optimistic that a solution to difficult challenges can always be found, with the perseverance to keep investigating options until it is.
• Curious and open-minded; always open for a challenge, inventive, creative. Ability to challenge the status quo – always looking at improving our products and processes while also displaying a willingness to dive into the details.
• Passionate participation in Brooks’ sports activities a plus, overridden by the ability to understand and empathize with the runner to develop loyal engaging relationships with our customers, partners and the Brooks’ community.
• Unwavering demonstration of Brooks’ corporate values: Runner First, Word is Bond, Champion Heart, There's No "I" In Run, and Keep Moving
• Strong computer skills including experience with MS office
• A passion for the running enthusiast and active lifestyle
• Global travel 30%.