Director, Global Pilot Operations

Role details

Shape the Future with Us. At Lubrizol, we’re bringing to life the chemistry behind clean water, efficient transportation, reliable infrastructure, critical medicines, and the products people rely on every day through science, sustainability, and a culture of inclusion.

As part of our global team, you’ll be empowered to make a real impact - on your career, your community, and the world around you.

Location

: Wickliffe, OH (4 days onsite/ 1 day remote)

Job Type

: Full-Time/Exempt

How You’ll Make An Impact

As the Director of Global Pilot Operations you'll be at the forefront of our innovation, developing world-class global pilot facilities (internal and external) and an optimized global footprint to enable accelerated learning, MET strategy execution, and new product and process commercialization. You'll collaborate with a diverse group of passionate individuals to deliver sustainable solutions to advance mobility, improve wellbeing, and enhance modern life. In this role, you will:

• Drive global pilot asset safety initiatives including training, visual indicators, safety projects, risk assessments, and procedure reviews.
• Ensure all process risks, technician health and safety risks are mitigated during laboratory and pilot plant work.
• Develop and manage Global Scorecard comprising essential safety, cost, standard work and performance leading and lagging KPIs.
• Ensure capability exists to support MET strategy (Base, Plus and Prime) and Accelerated learning according to project requirements and schedule. Ensure that lab and pilot trials achieve learning and process capability assessment objectives.
• Establish efficient project intake and management process. Ensure that requested trials will provide expected benefit and answer questions posed.
• Create and execute capital strategy to ensure effective asset upgrades to enable MET. Ensure assets are reliable and available when needed.
• Develop optimal global pilot capability and footprint comprising current internal assets, consolidations, new builds and external partnerships.
• Ensure alignment with Lubrizol strategic initiatives around common data streams and management, digitalization (data capture/analysis/generative AI/digital twins), connected workers, Automation, Modeling and Sustainability.
• Coach engagement and partnership between pilot team members, PT organization and all development partners and customers.
• Elevate team capabilities and hire talent to align MET and PT strategy and 21st Century Lubrizol engineer.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications That Enable Your Success

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field (Chemical preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years managing pilot or production assets.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in managing; people, safety, expenses and capital budgeting and cost management.
• Experienced upgrading pilot or manufacturing processes (equipment, measurement systems and process controls) meeting safety and business needs.
• Record of building high performance teams.
• Experienced driving continuous improvement (People, Processes and Technology).
• Demonstrated success delivering results in a matrix organization.
• Strong/structured problem-solving skills..
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills as well as facilitation experience.
• Self-motivated, proactive with the ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced, “high energy", team-oriented environment.
• Must demonstrate enthusiasm, a sense of urgency, attention to detail, commitment and follow-through while maintaining confidentiality and meeting deadlines.
• Strategic thinker.

Preferred Qualifications That Drive You Forward

• Graduate degree in Engineering or related field (Chemical preferred).
• Six Sigma Certification (Black Belt preferred).
• Professional Engineers license or experience in design engineering and construction.

Your Work Environment

Role

At Lubrizol, we’re committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where you can do your best work—whether in a lab, on the production floor, or in a hybrid office setting. Depending on your role, your work environment may include:

• Standing, walking, or operating equipment for extended periods
• Working in a lab or manufacturing setting with appropriate PPE provided
• Use of computers and digital tools in an office or hybrid environment
• Occasional lifting or movement of materials
• Adherence to rigorous safety protocols and ergonomic standards

We continuously invest in our facilities and technologies to ensure they support your well-being, productivity, and growth. If you require reasonable accommodation, we are committed to working with you to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience.

Benefits That Empower You

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonus plans
• 401(k) match + Age-Weighted Defined Contribution
• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid holidays, vacation, and parental leave
• Flexible work environment
• Learning and development opportunities
• Career and professional growth
• Inclusive culture and vibrant community engagement Learn more at benefits.lubrizol.com!

Lubrizol: Imagined for Life. Enabled by Science. ™ Delivered by You. For nearly 100 years, The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, has been at the forefront of innovation to enhance everyday life, advance mobility, and make the modern world work better. Our specialty chemistry solutions—from engine oils, performance coatings, and skincare to medical devices and plumbing systems —are powered by the expertise, passion, and commitment of people like you.

We tackle the world’s toughest challenges with science-based solutions, deeply understanding our customers to deliver innovative chemistry and differentiated value. Our inclusive culture, dedication to safety, and incredible global talent drive our success. Our solutions meet the evolving needs of the modern world—brought to life by science and, most importantly, delivered by you.

Whether you're in the lab, on the production floor, or in the office, you'll be part of a team around the world that empowers you to think boldly, drive results, and contribute to solutions that shape a better, more sustainable future.

We win because of you. Let’s build the future together.