Director Strategic Initiatives

Overview

The Director Strategic Initiatives will serve as a trusted thought partner to executive leadership with a focus on managing initiatives specific to the Chemistry CAPEX and shaping strategic direction to drive business while ensuring successful execution of critical initiatives. There will be a consistent focus on managing and optimizing processes, systems, and workflows as the business continues to scale and grow. They will collaborate closely with General Managers, Directors, Safety, Quality, Commercial, Finance, and HR leaders.

Responsibilities

• Define, lead, and refine long-term strategies that align with organizational goals, market trends, and customer needs in the aerospace sector
• Present insights, recommendations, and program updates directly to executive leaders, board members, and external partners
• Collaborate with executives and senior leadership to evaluate new opportunities, address risks, and shape business priorities
• Lead cross-functional initiatives, ensuring alignment between business strategy, technology, and operational execution
• Oversee program and project management activities, dedicating approximately 50% of time to tactical execution to ensure strategic initiatives translate into measurable outcomes
• Provide communications support; draft emails, memos, presentations, internal and external communications, and/or social media posts
• Create tools to drive and manage changes within the Chemistry Department
• Champion organizational transformation efforts, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability

Skills / Qualifications

• Master's degree in chemistry, or equivalent required
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in an analytical chemistry environment or similar role involving project management
• Strong program leadership skills with experience balancing strategic planning and tactical execution through project management excellence
• Knowledge of laboratory techniques, equipment, and terminology
• Ability to organize and track multiple projects in a detail-oriented and self-directed manner. Strong organizational skills required
• Exceptional communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to coordinate across all levels of the organization
• In-depth knowledge of the Microsoft Suite programs and tools, specifically PowerPoint

Company Overview

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to 'Make tomorrow safer than today'.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

Diversity Statement

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming 'the world’s most trusted testing partner'.

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)