Technical Director

Opportunity: Korea Technical Director – Arkema (Seoul Technical Center)

Arkema, a global leader in specialty materials, is seeking a Korea Technical Director to lead its Seoul Technical Center (STC) and drive R&D excellence and innovation partnerships in Korea.

Location: Seoul, South Korea

Role Overview

This role will lead technical strategy, site management, and innovation collaboration , acting as the key bridge between Arkema’s global R&D and Korea’s advanced industrial ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

Technical & Strategic Leadership

• Coordinate Arkema’s technical teams in Korea
• Align R&D efforts with business priorities
• Build strong technical relationships with key Korean companies (Energy, Electronics, etc.)
• Connect Arkema R&D with startups, universities, and research labs

Site & Operations Management (STC)

• Ensure compliance with safety and operational standards
• Manage R&D and CAPEX budgets
• Partner with Business Units on hiring and workforce plans
• Foster a positive and high-performing work environment
• Report key activities to local and global leadership

People Leadership

• Build and optimize the STC organization
• Lead performance management and talent development
• Attract, retain, and grow top talent

Innovation & Collaboration

• Drive partnerships with universities and research institutions
• Strengthen networks across Korean and international research communities
• Support key customer engagements and technical initiatives

Accountabilities'

• Deliver on Health, Safety, Environment & Quality (HSEQ) targets
• Achieve R&D objectives across Business Units
• Strengthen Arkema’s innovation footprint in Korea
• Build high-level technical relationships with key accounts

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field
• 10+ years of R&D leadership experience in chemicals or advanced materials
• International exposure is a plus

Key Skills

• Fluent in Korean and English (French is a plus)
• Strong understanding of Korean business culture
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strategic, proactive, with strong business acumen

About Arkema

With over 21,000 employees across 55 countries and €9.5B in sales, Arkema develops innovative and sustainable materials addressing global challenges in energy, mobility, and technology.