Applied Science and Customer Solutions Manager

The Applied Science and Customer Solutions Manager leads a team of laboratory, analytical and data specialists responsible for translating customer needs, operational challenges and market opportunities into tangible, scientifically robust solutions that create measurable value for customers and for Kemin.

The role acts as a critical bridge between customers, Sales, Marketing, Technical Service and R&D, ensuring that customer needs are clearly understood, converted into actionable scientific questions, and addressed through fit-for-purpose analytical methods, application studies, troubleshooting, data interpretation and technical recommendations. He/She will demonstrate the ability to move seamlessly between the customer environment and the laboratory, translating customer and commercial needs into scientifically robust, practical and actionable solutions that protect existing business, enable growth and strengthen Kemin's position as a trusted technical partner.

A key measure of success is the ability to move beyond generating analytical data to delivering actionable solutions that improve customer operations, demonstrate product value, resolve customer challenges, differentiate Kemin solutions, strengthen customer relationships and enable customer retention or business growth.

The role is accountable for building and maintaining the analytical capabilities required to support both customer-facing innovation and R&D, using internal laboratory resources, external partners and data-driven insights to deliver high-value scientific solutions.

• Partner proactively with Sales, Marketing and Technical Service to identify customer needs and commercial opportunities where scientific investigation, analytical capability or data can materially influence customer retention, product adoption, differentiation or business growth. Responsible for continual evaluation and implementation of new innovative, analytical techniques and processes to drive new product development.
• Maintain ongoing laboratory service output and collaboration with external laboratories.
• Attend and present at tradeshows, conferences and participate in customer meetings.
• Acting as a scientific partner to customers, developing a thorough understanding of their processes, operational challenges, technical needs and business objectives.
• Proactively capturing the voice of the customer and translating customer problems into clearly defined scientific questions, hypotheses and executable technical projects.
• Translating analytical data into practical recommendations and actionable solutions, rather than providing analytical results alone.

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry with 5 years of relevant experience.
• Customer focus and interactions through previous experience are a must.
• A proven leader with a solid understanding and adherence to the Servant Leadership philosophy and a strong team player.
• Strong communication (written and oral), analytical and interpretation skills.
• Detail-oriented and ability to multi-task.
• Advanced project management skills.

Work Environment:

• Typical office, laboratory and manufacturing floor environment.
• Travel may be required.
• Be able to work flexible hours.

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