R & D GROUP LEADER

Ashland Specialty Chemicals
Global Technology
Group Leader
Dublin, OH

Ashland Inc. (NYSE:ASH), a FORTUNE 500, diversified chemical company provides
innovative products, services and solutions to customers around the globe.
Ashland has sales and operations in the United States and in more than 100
countries worldwide. Our operations include four wholly owned divisions: Ashland
Performance Materials, Ashland Distribution, Valvoline and Ashland Water
Technologies. We've come a long way since we started in 1924 as a regional
petroleum refiner. We're a growing, dynamic company with a vision that gives us
a strong sense of who we are and an unyielding commitment to how we practice
business. *FORTUNE 500 is a registered trademark of Time Inc.
As a Group Leader in our Global Technology group, you will be responsible for:
The code administration for this portion of the business. You will supervise 5-7
technical service reps in our structural building components segment of the
business. This is a hands on position and will involve about 50% travel to
customers, training new associates, etc.

Tasks:
• Strategic planning of IT infrastructure, service levels, staffing and operating policies and procedures to support overall business vision and goals

• Responsible for management of IT group to reach, maintain and continuously enhance industry leading operating performance standards

• Ensure hardware and software is maintained and data is secured through proper back-ups and staff training; oversee the security posture of the IT organization.

• Prepare and maintain technical specifications and related documentation to secure procedures and prevent system failure. Responsible for company's disaster recovery plan.

• Keep up-to-date on information and technology affecting functional area(s) to increase innovation and ensure compliance.

• Manage budget and controls expenses effectively.

• Drive the strategic development of industry leading company wide information technology infrastructure.

• Provide direction for the application development team in support of business operations

• Design, develop and implement comprehensive, information systems infrastructure to ensure users' needs are met and, data is processed according to company specifications and requirements

• Define user requirements in close cooperation with end users and recommend and develop state-of-the-art business solutions. Plan system applications and assign staff to develop, test and complete programs. Evaluate effectiveness of programs and offer solutions to enhance effectiveness.

• Manage and direct software, hardware, network, telecommunication and web providers to enhance operational efficiencies and ROI.

• Provide senior oversight of the user support team; ensure customer satisfaction through the timely provisioning of IT products and services, and the quality management of the trouble-ticket function.

• Manage and direct IT team, and provide continued development and growth with a team of internal staff and intermittent external consultants

• Motivate, lead and grow a high performance technology organization.

• Manage and lead IT across various geographic locations

• Establish and maintain relationships with internal business partners and external suppliers.

• Negotiate with vendors on behalf of the company to ensure cost-effective purchasing decisions.
REQUIREMENTS


To qualify you will need the following:


BS in Science/Engineering
10+ years of technical service in the adhesives area, preferably in the
engineered lumber and panel laminating area or 5 years of experience with
Graduate degree
Familiar with codes such as CCMC, CSA, NLGA, etc. is especially useful
Experienced in data analysis and documentation as well as oral presentation
Must be a proven problem solver and able to interact positively with both
customers and technical associates
Supervisory experience is a plus
Must be a team player, quick learner, and have the ability to build strong
relationships with customers
Familiar with isocyanate chemistry is essential
Must be an excellent communicator, both written and oral
Must be willing to travel up to 50%
Demonstrated application of Six Sigma methodology and tools is preferred.
Applicant must be authorized to work in the United States


In return, we offer our associates a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits
package, and opportunities for development and advancement throughout our global
organization. At Ashland, we are determined to win our customers through
dedicated people and excellent service!



Ashland is proud to be an Equal
Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. M/F/D/V