Silica/Silane Raw Material Development Specialist • Type of work: full time • Type of Contract: permanent contract • Location: Rome, Italy Job Purpose We are looking for a Silica/Silane Raw Material expert reporting directly to the Head of Raw Material Development.
You will join a dynamic organization responsible for all Materials Innovation and Development activities in BSEMEA regions.
You will lead and manage technical expertise & know how building in Raw Material Development function and will be responsible for Silica/Silane development from ideation to implementation in tyre.
You will provide technical support to BSEMEA compound development and operations.
The position requires to work closely with various internal and external partners: For the innovation process: Tread & Carcass compounding team, Tyre pre-development teams, Academia, Material Labs, central manufacturing functions For the technical support to operations: Central manufacturing functions, plants, logistics, Quality, Health and Safety, procurement.
And also with equivalent organization in others Bridgestone Group R&D organization in the world (mainly USA and Japan), through global workgroups.
In this position, you will create and support the Vision for the silica/silane development, actively participate in the Innovation Technology processes of the Raw Material function, as well as contribute to the same at the department level.
Education Requirements: Master's Degree in Material Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Physics, Rubber Compounding, or a related field.
PhD in a relevant discipline is highly desirable.
Qualifications: Minimum of 7 years of experience in the rubber industry, specifically in tire, rubber goods, rubber chemicals, or polymer sectors.
At least 5 years of experience in raw material development and/or compound engineering for tires.
Key Responsibilities: Lead the development and optimization of silica and silane for tire manufacturing.
Manage collaboration projects with academic institutions and suppliers to drive innovation.
Oversee complex projects, ensuring timely delivery and effective project management.
Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization, from team members to executive leadership.
Foster a results-oriented, self-motivated, and creative work environment.
Ideal Candidate Profile: Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate long-term industry trends and needs.
Proven track record in managing successful collaboration projects with academic and industry partners.
Demonstrated experience in complex project management, including crisis management and long-term innovation projects.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of motivating teams and engaging stakeholders.
Digital proficiency, including solid knowledge of MS Office and familiarity with digital tools such as Minitab, Matlab, and Python.
Fluent in written and spoken English.
Ability to work effectively in a global, multi-cultural environment.
If you can demonstrate the skills we are looking for and would like to make a difference in a Pioneering company dedicated to shaping a sustainable future of real-world mobility solutions, join us at Bridgestone!