Job Description

Annual Wage Range: $166,448.00 - $228,866.00 
Other Compensation: Eligibility for the Short-Term Incentive program and other applicable bonuses 
Benefits: U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)

Grace, a Standard Industries company, is a leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services which our customers use to manufacture everyday products like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, cosmetics, food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global headquarters in Columbia, MD and locations worldwide.

Job Description

The Director, Evaluations Research and Services, leads Grace’s FCC Evaluations Research organization, providing high‑quality testing services, technical expertise, and customer‑driven insights that support customer retention, margin growth, new account wins, and product and process development. The role combines people leadership, safety stewardship, customer engagement, and hands‑on technical contribution in FCC catalysis and related technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians within Evaluations Research. As needed, partner with Talent Acquisition to identify and recruit top-talent for new roles.
• Serve as a visible safety leader for the FCC Evaluations team by actively participating in EH&S programs. Maintain compliance with all applicable safety, environmental, and operating permit requirements. Provide technical input to hazard reviews, EH&S studies, and site safety initiatives.
• Oversee delivery of FCC and related testing services, including ECAT, ACE, steaming, DCR, petroleum laboratory services, sink/float, IGC, sulfur speciation, and fluidization testing. Ensure testing supports customer retention, value‑based selling, new customer acquisition, and development of new products and processes. Ensure testing data are timely, technically sound, and decision‑enabling for customers, technical service, marketing, and R&D.
• Serve as a recognized technical authority in FCC catalysis. Prepare and present technical materials for customer meetings and technical exchanges. Lead discussions with customers on catalyst testing, feedstock effects, and FCC fundamentals. Address non‑routine technical service questions using scientific literature and internal expertise.

Required Qualifications

• PhD or MS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related discipline.
• 15+ years of experience in catalyst R&D, FCC technologies, or refinery-related innovation.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing R&D organizations and technical teams
• Extensive experience in FCC catalysis, catalyst evaluation, or refinery process technology.

• #LI -TC1

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong customer‑facing communication and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to combine strategic leadership with hands‑on technical contribution.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Grace Wellness Program
• Flexible Workplace with maximum overlap with the core hours
• Retirement Plans 
• 401(k) Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Donation Match Program

Grace is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Grace via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Grace. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Grace as a result of the referral or through other means.

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