Applications Manager

Company Description

At Oterra, we are leading the global movement toward natural colors in food, beverages, dietary supplements, and pet food. Guided by our belief that nature got it right the first time, we create innovative, sustainable color solutions that help customers bring naturally colored products to consumers worldwide.

Our people are at the center of everything we do. We foster a collaborative and purpose-driven culture where employees are encouraged to learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful work every day. With a growing U.S. facility in Mount Pleasant, Oterra offers exciting opportunities to join a global organization committed to innovation, sustainability, and employee development.

Job Description

This position works under general direction and is primarily responsible for managing the activities of the Applications Laboratory to ensure quality of Natural Colors Division. Reports to Head of Innovation, NA.

Principal Duties And Responsibilities

1. Manages and prioritizes test requests and generates reports summarizing monthly activity.
2. Plays an active role in the sales project process, by supporting the sales organization in developing relationships with customers, approving and coordinating the customer oriented product development projects and supporting its implementation in the field.
3. Makes decisions on product ranges and solutions for the industry by reviewing and prioritizing activities with corporate accounts.
4. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
5. Develops and coordinates internal training programs and technical presentations for sales and marketing.
6. Participates in specific customer projects, requiring technical assistance for both domestic and international accounts. Provides customers with product options.
7. Complies with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), GLP (Good Laboratory Practices), and company Safety guidelines.
8. Reads and writes comprehensive reports and professional correspondence for both internal research and external customer support.
9. Establishes and maintains color libraries designed to expedite the sampling and retrieval processes.
10. Develops promotional sales tools and activities such as industry days, demo kits, handouts and articles.
11. Provides expertise and training to the organization and in support of global projects, customer activities and cross regional industry projects.
12. Develops and encourages the growth of employee's skills through training and opportunities.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

1. Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
2. Ability to make administrative, procedural or employment-related decisions in a dynamic environment.
3. Possess strong technical as well as commercial (market) understanding.
4. Possess strong communication skills with a track record of achieving results and experience in collaborating with different cultures and nationalities.
5. Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
6. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
7. Proficient use of computers utilizing Microsoft office software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
8. Strong Project Management Skills, up to 5 direct reports.
9. Education: B.S or M.S with minimum 10 years' experience. Colors knowledge is a plus.

Additional Information

What We Offer

• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance available upon hire
• Generous paid time off plus 11 company-paid holidays
• Retirement contributions to help support your future
• Monthly employee engagement events and team celebrations
• A collaborative culture that encourages career growth, professional development, and internal opportunities
• The chance to be part of a supportive team where your contributions make an impact