Overview:
Kurita America is part of the Kurita Group, one of the leading water solutions providers in the world. Established in 1949, the Kurita Group is comprised of an international network of approximately 8000 employees located in 18 countries.
Located in Minneapolis, MN, Kurita America brings innovations to market through a holistic water management approach, incorporating state-of-the art equipment, chemistries, engineering, and services to conserve natural resources for a better, more sustainable world.
Kurita’s corporate philosophy is to study the properties of water, master them and create an environment in which nature and humanity are in harmony
Title: Director of Technology – Heavy Industry
Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute the strategic roadmap for Kurita's Heavy Industry product portfolio, including refining and adjacent industrial markets.
- Lead product lifecycle management, portfolio optimization, and commercialization of proprietary technologies.
- Drive sourcing strategies that improve supply continuity, reduce costs, and mitigate supply chain risk through supplier development and qualification.
- Partner with Sales, Technical Services, Supply Chain, Operations, R&D, and Finance to support product strategy, bid competitiveness, and business growth.
- Identify opportunities to improve product profitability, market positioning, and customer value through data-driven portfolio decisions.
- Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive activity to support long-term business strategy.
- Lead cross-functional initiatives that improve product execution, operational efficiency, and commercial performance.
- Provide strategic technical leadership while fostering collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across the organization.
Qualifications:
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical discipline required.
- Master's degree or MBA preferred.
Experience
- 15+ years of progressive experience in refinery chemicals, specialty chemicals, industrial water treatment, petrochemical processing, or related industries.
- Extensive experience leading product strategy, product management, or technology organizations.
- Experience with product commercialization, portfolio management, and lifecycle management.
- Demonstrated success in supply chain strategy, sourcing, supplier development, and cost optimization.
- Experience partnering across Sales, Technical Services, Operations, R&D, Finance, and Supply Chain.
- Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional initiatives and influencing executive stakeholders.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities
