Director – General Metal Finishing, Advanced Development Centre (ADC)

A Day in Your Life at MKS:

As a Director – GMF will lead the General Metal Finishing (GMF) organization at the Advanced Development Centre and serve as a key counterpart to Global R&D Directors based in Germany. The role is accountable for execution excellence across R&D programs, development of strong technical capabilities, and delivery of high-quality outcomes aligned with global R&D priorities.

GMF focuses on functional and decorative surface treatments, including corrosion-resistant coatings (zinc and zinc alloys), wear-resistant coatings (functional chrome and electroless nickel), decorative coatings (including plating on plastics), and pretreatment/cleaner processes. These technologies support automotive, electronics, and other industrial applications. The Director will oversee all GMF verticals to ensure readiness to deliver innovative, globally aligned solutions.

You Will Make an Impact By:

Global Collaboration and Alignment

• Partner with Global R&D Directors to execute the global R&D agenda.
• Ensure ADC activities are aligned with global strategy, priorities, and project pipelines.
• Enable effective collaboration, technical problem-solving, and knowledge exchange with global teams.
• Represent ADC in global forums and contribute to enterprise-level R&D outcomes.
  
  

GMF Organization Leadership

• Lead and manage the GMF organization at ADC.
• Establish clear governance, structure, and priorities across GMF verticals.
• Drive a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and delivery.
• Ensure effective coordination across multiple projects and teams.
  
  

R&D Execution and Delivery Excellence

• Drive execution of R&D programs in line with global ownership and milestones.
• Ensure timely delivery of robust experimental data, insights, and technical outputs.
• Implement disciplined project management, including milestone tracking, reporting, and risk management.
• Support scale-up and industrialization in collaboration with global and cross-functional partners.
  
  

Capability Building and Talent Development

• Strengthen technical competencies in materials, processes, and surface treatment technologies.
• Expand ADC capabilities to meet evolving business and R&D needs.
• Develop, mentor, and retain a high-performing, multidisciplinary team.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, ownership, and career development.
  
  

Operational Excellence and Governance

• Oversee laboratory operations with a strong focus on safety, compliance, and efficiency.
• Manage operational and capital budgets (OPEX/CAPEX).
• Ensure high standards of scientific rigor, data integrity, and technical documentation.
• Implement structured R&D processes aligned with global governance frameworks.
  
  

Skills You Bring:

Education

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline (Ph.D. preferred)
  
  

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of R&D experience, preferably in electroplating, surface treatment, or related technologies in B2B industry
• Hands on experience of working, leading and collaborating in a multi culture global matrix organisation
• Demonstrated leadership of R&D teams within global or matrix organizations
• Proven track record in executing complex R&D programs
  
  

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of R&D experience, preferably in electroplating, surface treatment, or related technologies in B2B industry
• Hands on experience of working, leading and collaborating in a multi culture global matrix organisation
• Demonstrated leadership of R&D teams within global or matrix organizations
• Proven track record in executing complex R&D programs
  
  

Key Competencies

• Strong stakeholder management and collaboration in global environments
• Execution- and results-oriented leadership style
• Deep technical expertise in materials and process development
• Strong organizational, operational, and people leadership skills
• Clear, persuasive communication and influence