Technical Product Manager

About Umicore

Powering the cars of today and tomorrow. Reducing harmful emissions. Giving unique properties to high-end applications. Giving new life to used metals. As a global advanced materials and recycling group, we develop, produce, and recycle materials for a better life.

About Fuel Cell and Stationary Catalysts

High-performance stationary catalysts. Next generation fuel-cell technologies. With clean air and green mobility playing a vital part in protecting the world of tomorrow, our design and production of these sustainable solutions has never been more crucial. Developing innovative products for a broad range of industries, we’re creating a better future by helping customers reach zero emission mobility and power supply. To keep improving the way the world moves we cannot stand still. We need to find new ways to do things, discover new solutions and develop new ideas. Which is where you come in.

Job Purpose

This position owns catalyst products from scale-up-ready formulation through its end-of-life. The role ensures products are successfully industrialized, robustly manufactured, and technically supported throughout their lifecycle.

Main responsibilities

1. Own Product Technical Governance

Own the technical basis of the stationary emission control catalysts .

• Own raw material, in-process, and final product specifications of stationary emission control catalysts
• Manage product-related deviations, waivers, and changes to ensure technical risk is understood and controlled
• Own the technical guideline for catalyst performance calculation based on catalyst characterization and feedbacks from on-site performance
• Serve as the catalyst simulation expert , working with other groups to develop and maintain the in-house catalyst simulation tool
• Maintain core  technical documents required for manufacturing, sales, and customer use

2. Drive Product Industrialization

Own the product after R&D development is complete, and manage its industrialization .

• Lead product industrialization from formulation handoff through pilot production and into plant manufacturing
• Drive projects to improve product quality, production throughput, and reduce scrap
• Qualify raw materials and suppliers for performance, cost reduction, and supply security
• Hands-on engagement in the lab, pilot plant, and production line to support production trials, troubleshooting, and industrialization
• Transfer product and process knowledge  in to manufacturing through clear technical guidance

3. Provide Technical Support 

Provide clear technical support to commercial teams and customers.

• Support sales teams on product application design, performance guarantees, and technical clarifications
• Manage and coordinate customer sample testing, including reviewing and approving customer sample test reports
• Support and coordinate customer driven catalyst solution development and qualification
• Translate technical product information into clear and practical guidance for sales teams and customers
• Support resolution of product performance issues in coordination with manufacturing, quality, and sales teams

Who we are looking for

Education & Experience

• Advanced degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field
• 3+ years of experience in catalysts, chemicals, materials, or process industries
• Experience in product management, R&D, or industrialization roles
• Experience scaling products from development to pilot and manufacturing
• Experience leading product improvement projects
• Skilled in raw material qualification and resolving manufacturing issues
• Focus on improving quality, throughput, and reducing scrap
• Experience with heterogeneous catalysts preferred; emission control is a plus

Technical Competencies

• Expertise in heterogeneous catalysis
• Strong technical judgment and problem-solving ability
• Solid knowledge of reaction kinetics and simulation tools
• Strong product and project management skills
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Organized in documentation and technical record keeping

Personal Skills

• Strong ownership and follow-through
• Clear and effective communicator
• Self-driven and persistent
• Analytical with attention to detail
• Able to influence cross-functional teams
• Strong prioritization skills
• Willing to work hands-on in lab and plant environments
• Structured thinker who simplifies complex problems

What we can offer

We aim to lead the way. Not just for our customers, but for our employees too. That is why we strive to create a collaborative environment in which we can all succeed, and a culture through which we can all share ideas, develop our expertise and advance our careers. We engage in building an inclusive work culture that offers equal opportunities for all employees irrespective of their diverse backgrounds. As you would expect from a world-leading organisation, we will also reward your contribution with a competitive salary and benefits. With all this and more, imagine what you could do?

If my expertise can help us reduce global emissions, IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD DO?