Job Summary The Director of Technology provides leadership in strategic technology and organization development. This individual is responsible for the technical competitiveness of the industry and is responsible for the Technology footprint of the business. This position is critical to formulating the technical response to new business opportunities, supporting profitable growth, and directing technical services to support the current customer base. The Director of Technology partners with business leaders to develop current markets and establish new ones through management of a robust portfolio of existing and potential offerings. This individual is a thought leader who performs independently and has demonstrated the ability to effectively interact and influence all levels of the organization (Avient and Customer) including the VP/GM level. Essential Functions Innovation and Profitable Growth: Drives profitable growth in key market segments through Voice of the Customer and Phased Offering Launch processes. Supports market development programs for new markets and/or the penetration of existing markets. Conducts market research and analysis to track future marketplace trends, customer needs, competitive data, as well as product / service performance and acceptability. Continuously evaluate emerging technologies from start-ups and academia. Asses and initiate key third party partnerships to accelerate development of technology/competencies. Initiate appropriate joint-development agreements with strategic customer suppliers. Owns key linkage between customer, business, and technology. Manage a team of scientists, engineers, and technicians within the scope given below: Provide technical leadership through mentoring, training, and coaching to balance short-term product customization and mid-term product development. Define, approve, and guide R&D projects to drive formulation development of specialty polymer compounds. Effectively network with other technical and marketing teams within Avient to generate and exploit new ideas and opportunities. Lead the team to support marketing & sales through development of product and application data, as well as support manufacturing to establish quality and testing conditions for new materials. Lead the development of new product platforms to support the industry's vision. Manage Stage and Gate Phased Offering Launch for bringing products from development to commercialization, as well as modifications or design changes in existing product lines. Manage Intellectual Property Portfolio in order to protect Avient development and research. Participate in and help drive the development of the marketing strategy. Partner with Product Management/Marketing in order to maintain current technology base with highest performance/cost ratio. Advocate a strong safety and performance culture and attitude within the team. Plan, direct, and coordinate product development functions independently. Takes customer and market trends, feedback, and opportunities to create technology focus and support Avient growth initiatives. Modify existing formulation without compromising existing properties. Formulate compounds to meet customers' requirements with respect to mechanical properties, electrical properties, flame resistance, UV. Ensure the successful commercialization of market-driven products/technology. Maintain and protect all formulations developed, as well as all formulations transferred from other Avient sites. Coordinate with Process/Product Translation/Production Department for production scale-up Assist the Process/Product Translation/Production Department for process trouble-shooting and process improvements where necessary. Coordinate with other Avient sites for technology transfers where necessary. Understand and select appropriate raw materials including base resin, fillers, flame retardants, stabilizers, lubricants, etc. to achieve t e required compound properties and applications. Source new raw materials for product development purposes. Plan raw material cost saving programs through collaboration with Purchasing, Product, Production and Sales Departments where appropriate. Partner effectively with product stewardship and testing requirements. Drives measurement and tracking of market trends and competitive activities including market size, market share, and competitive strengths and weaknesses. Creates marketing oriented sales tools, case studies, literature, press releases, webinars, advertising, brand awareness, trade shows, etc. Develops and coordinates promotions, technical presentations, and advertising/digital campaigns through Corporate Marketing Communications. Responsible for communicating marketing activities to functional areas to ensure smooth transition of strategy to action. Implements market segment value-based pricing and profitability targets.

Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in science or engineering field, preferably Masters or PhD. 10+ years' experience leading technology or business team. 5+ years' experience in customer relationship development. Strong analytical and multi-tasking skills. Demonstrated influencing skills. Advanced knowledge of the following software applications: Microsoft Office, including Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Outlook. Qualifications Build a technology organization to enable growth in the composites market. Lead strategic growth programs. Establish presence and influence in strategic market organizations and customers. Support business strategy development and execution. Develop innovative solutions that position Avient as the leading specialty solutions provider for customers. Partner internally and externally to innovate new technology and penetrate strategic markets to solve customer problems.