Title: Product Manager

Location: Houston, TX

Who we are:

Voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. Based in Tokyo, Japan. Kuraray has operations in 31 countries and employs more than 11,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.

Why Kuraray:

Kuraray is building a better tomorrow, today. Our team members are dedicated to expanding our business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability.

As a part of Kuraray America, Inc., our team shares the advantages of working for the leader in specialty chemicals, resins, and fibers. Our international presence and resources allow us to be a world-leading innovator in the industries we service. Yet, despite our size, our people are more than just a number. As a new team member, you can expect to earn responsibility quickly. Our commitment to our people is visible in our comprehensive benefits package. As a Kuraray team member, you will have the opportunity to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment.

Position Summary:

The Product Manager utilizes the processes, systems, and monthly schedules needed to meet Kuraray America's product commitments to its customers and Global Business Unit partners. This role leads complex product lifecycle management activities, develops data-driven analyses to improve products and user experiences, and coordinates cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions.

Through the Product Management Systems (Short-Term and Long-Term Plan Dashboard), the Product Manager leads efforts and defines the information needed to:

• Plan production on Kuraray America's PVOH production line
• Manage inventory within all Kuraray America controlled warehousing
• Work with Global PVOH and Product Manager's to manage import/export of PVOH and resins
• Optimize data management within all of Kuraray's computer and software systems
• Manage the sale and/or disposal of all non-prime, aged, scrap, and damaged material
• Analyze and evaluate feasibility of proposed complex products and services
• Provide support and direction to the PM team for the POVAL BU
• Act as sales contact for internal customers

Responsibilities:

Production Scheduling & Asset Lifecycle Management

• Execute key digital product/service life-cycle activities, aligning with procurement and distribution
• Develop standard processes and tooling requirements to support asset life-cycle management
• Consolidate sales forecasts from local sales representatives and group companies
• Coordinate with Sales, R&D, and manufacturing departments
• Integrate global input from Business Unit partners (Kuraray Europe, Japan, Mexico, Shanghai, South America, Kuraray Asia Pacific)
• Use quantitative methods to determine and establish optimal production plans

Inventory Management

• Optimize inventory levels using data-driven systems
• Manage inventory of imported materials
• Work with third-party warehouses and import/export brokers as appropriate

Global Production Coordination

• Work with the Global Product Management Team for consolidation of production and inventory across regions
• Discuss and coordinate material requirements with other regions
• Propose material priorities for improved global operation of the PVOH

Innovation & Product Development

• Manage project schedules and identify risks
• Evaluate feasibility and relevance of proposed solutions
• Work in cross-functional, global or agile teams to develop significant aspects of product development

Data Management & Analysis

• Develop data-driven analyses to surface new opportunities to differentiate and improve products and product management
• Ensure consistency across digital products, services, and channels
• Coordinate production budgets and reporting with accounting
• Maintain product information, auto batch selection, and other related data in SAP, Visitrak and Aspen Tech
• Approve order releases, new SKU and other data requests electronically

Project Team Management

• Lead small to medium-sized project teams
• Communicate project vision and necessary outcomes
• Coordinate team actions on project activities
• Identify areas for improvement and build team capabilities through training, coaching, and mentoring

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop team members to support product and business goals.
• Set clear expectations, monitor performance, and provide regular feedback.
• Identify training needs and support employee development and growth.
• Encourage teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement across the team.

General Administrative Support

• Serve on Administrative teams as needed within Kuraray America
• Uncover emerging issues or needs, identify potential causes, barriers, and key stakeholders

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Accounting, Finance, Business, Logistics, Customer Service or related field
• Minimum of 5 years' experience as Product Manager/Scheduler in manufacturing industry
• Minimum of 3 years of management or supervisory experience
• Advanced Excel experience and proficiency with MS Office suite
• Experience using SAP or other ERP systems.
• Strong data-driven analytical and reporting capabilities.
• Working knowledge of product lifecycle management concepts and processes.
• Proven ability to negotiate and mediate with internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presentation, interpersonal, and consulting capabilities; strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload, manage multiple projects, and consistently meet deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with the ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Competencies:

• Customer Focus
  • Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Business Insight
  • Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals.
• Cultivates Innovation
  • Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.

• Action Oriented
  • Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Ensures Accountability
  • Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Drives Results
  • Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstance
• Collaborates
  • Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Values Difference
  • Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
• Communicates Effectively
  • Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Courage
  • Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
• Instills Trust
  • Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Situational Adaptability
  • Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.

We offer a competitive compensation package that includes base pay and an annual incentive. This program is designed to reward individual performance and align overall rewards with corporate and team performance.

Our employees benefit from a robust healthcare package that includes wellness reimbursements, along with generous perks such as three weeks of paid time off, ten company holidays, paid parental leave, education reimbursement, and a matching 401k plan, among other offerings.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.

Learn more at kuraray.us.com/careers/

Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/disability/protected veteran status

No third-party candidates accepted.