Director-Asphalt Materials & Research

The Director, Asphalt Materials & Research. is responsible for formulating all Polymer Modified Asphalt (PMA) designs. These formulations are to be efficient, safe and cost effective. In addition, this position is responsible for qualifying the laboratory and managing the lab personnel. If lab personnel are not available, it will be the responsibility of this position to handle the testing firsthand. This role manages day-to-day laboratory operations, ensures regulatory compliance, ensures QA/QC on all material made and drives continuous improvement in quality, safety, and operational performance.

Operations Management Oversee daily liquid asphalt lab operations to ensure timely and efficient QA/QC. Work closely with the Terminal Manager and his/her people. Monitor production schedules, throughput, and inventory levels Optimize plant processes to improve productivity, reduce downtime, and control costs Coordinate with supply chain and logistics teams to ensure raw material availability and product delivery Safety & Compliance Enforce strict adherence to all safety policies, OSHA regulations, and environmental standards Conduct regular safety audits, risk assessments, and training sessions Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to asphalt production and storage Quality Control Ensure all products meet internal quality standards and customer specifications Collaborate with quality assurance teams to monitor testing procedures and results Investigate and resolve quality issues or production deviations Leadership & Team Management Supervise, mentor, and develop Lab personnel, including operators, technicians, and supervisors Manage staffing, scheduling, and performance evaluations Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement Maintenance & Equipment Management Coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance programs for plant and lab equipment Work with maintenance teams to minimize downtime and extend equipment lifespan Support capital improvement projects and equipment upgrades Budgeting & Cost Control Develop and manage operational budgets Track production costs and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements Ensure optimal use of resources, including energy and raw materials Reporting & Continuous Improvement Prepare and analyze production reports, KPIs, and performance metrics Lead process improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies Implement best practices to enhance operational efficiency and product consistency

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related fields (preferred). 5 – 10+ years of experience in asphalt formulations and, lab operations. 3+ years of supervisory or management experience. Strong knowledge of liquid asphalt productions processes, blending, and storage systems. Familiarity with plant control systems and industrial equipment. Understanding of safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. Proven leadership and team management skills. Strong problem solving and decision-making skills. Ability to work in a fast-paced, industrial environment. OSHA Safety Certification (optional) TWIC card Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to walk & stand for extended periods (8 – 12 hours per shift) in a plant environment, climb, use manual dexterity to operate tools used in the course of work, hear sufficient to hear conversations in person, and via telephone and radio, and vision sufficient for distance sight and to read diagrams, computer screens, manual reports, rules, regulations, laws, and plans. The employee is occasionally required to reach, push, and pull with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Physical dexterity may involve stretching, proper placement of legs, and use of arms and hands in repetitive motions. Capability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach as needed during inspections and equipment checks. Must be able to work in varying environmental conditions, including exposure to heat, cold, humidity, fumes, and asphalt odors. Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety glasses, respirators, gloves, and steel-toed boots. The employee must be able to maintain constant alertness to the multiple concurrent activities occurring at the site, including the activities of other employees, and contractors, the operation of stationary equipment, and the movement of mobile equipment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. EOE M/F/V/D DFWP