Research Leader, Market Pulp, Fibre Cost and Quality
(Management & Executives)
Full Time
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
FPInnovations is the world’s largest private forest research institute, with the goal of strengthening the Canadian forest sector’s global competitiveness through research, knowledge transfer and implementation.
Our Market Pulp Research Program has the mandate to deliver innovations to meet both short and longer-term goals including: technology development and implementation to improve industry competitiveness; pulp performance research to help our members retain market share in traditional markets and increase sales into growing market segments; and the integration of new bio-products to capture opportunities in the emerging bio-economy.
JOB DESCRIPTION
FPInnovations is seeking a Research Leader, Fibre Cost and Quality, for the Market Pulp Research Group. Optimizing fibre supply has been identified as one of the key goals of the Market Pulp Research Program, since fibre costs make up 30% - 50% of the cost of pulp manufacturing.
The successful candidate will lead the research and delivery of innovative solutions in the area of fibre supply for kraft, high yield and dissolving pulp mills. Reporting to the Research Manager, Market Pulp, he/she will have overall responsibility for a team and facilities required to deliver the collaborative research program. This includes 10 scientists and technicians working in the fibre supply and quality areas, the EvaluTreeTM fibre quality laboratories, and mechanical and chemical pulping pilot plants for resource evaluation. His/her success will be defined by innovation implementation in our customers’ businesses. Focus areas include fibre resource evaluation, implementation of on-line chip sensors, optimization of incoming fibre supply for both cost and quality, improved chip management and use of alternative species/fibre sources.
He/she will ensure that research projects have strong value propositions and will maximize the delivery of research products that bring highest value to our member companies. He/she will support the Research Manager in research management, business development, bringing in new revenue and bringing research products to commercialization. He/she will develop a business culture within his/her team that embraces innovation, safety, fiscal responsibility, efficient use of resources and cash, and timely delivery of research products and contracts.
EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS
• Ph.D. or applied Master’s Degree in engineering or science and 12 to 14 years of related experience in the pulp and paper industry, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience
• Strong background in fibre supply and impacts on pulp processing and quality, with demonstrated success in innovation development and deployment and a track record of working with mills to improve fibre supply cost and quality
• Supervisory experience in a manufacturing and/or research environment, with ability to develop, lead, mentor and motivate high-performing work teams
• Strong business and customer focus; with a proven track record in developing and maintaining client relationships; entrepreneurial with business acumen and marketing skills/aptitude
• Excellent communication skills