Expert Product Development Laboratory

Job title

Expert Product Development

Grade

Stream

OQ RPI

Function

Global Marketing, Market Development & Innovation: Product Development

Location

Oman - Sohar

Budget control

-

Reporting to

Manager Product Development

Direct reports

-

Job purpose

The  Expert - Product Development leads in providing proof of concept of proposed product development and optimization projects. It also spearheads assessment of technical aspects of the project, in line with the stage-gate innovation process.  And contributes to various technical areas in Marketing organization such as in product value proposition, customer complaints investigation, product benchmarking, raw material and additives evaluation.

The position will act in accordance with the Group’s Mission, Vision, Values & Strategies, as well as, policies, guidelines and international standards, supported by an IT Technology platform, HSE standards, Omani’s government & other legal justifications, and best international practices in consonance with national objectives.

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Develop and justify product development projects and initiatives supporting the strategic direction.


• Lead improvement of existing products in response to benchmarking with competitors or for additives cost optimization.


• Monitor product development projects from laboratory/pilot to plant trials and customer trials, with view of proposing further improvements as needed.


• Liaise with Product Owners and ADTS Specialists to investigate root cause of customer complaints on product performance or quality.


• Support Product Management in assessment and development of a supplier base for new raw materials and additives and solving supplier issues around current products.


• Prepare and deliver technical presentations at meetings or conferences, as needed.


• Actively participate in technical organizations and professional associations related to polymers.


• Technical support to Intellectual Property Rights to file the product-related patents.


• Provides technical support and documentation to customers to strengthen OQ Marketing position in the market and build a strong

customer relationship.

• Support internal product and applications training to increase the technical knowledge of OQ sales channels.


• Develops product improvement concepts and support the production of value selling tools

Key interactions

Internal: Product Owners, Market Development, Application Development &Technical Service, Specialist – Innovation, Operation, Process, Quality Control, Finance and Strategy, Stewardship, Sales Managers.

External: Consultants, Customers, Additives vendors, Technology Licensors, Lab equipment vendors

Notable Working Conditions. 40% Lab environment, 60% Office environment, intensive computer screen use

Education requirements

Minimum qualification is Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or other engineering or related fields.

Language requirements 

English fluent is minimum requirement, local language depending on position location

Background and experience

Competencies and skills

• 8-10 years of relevant industry experience.


• Professional experience across R&D, market development, technical service, and application development functions


• Advanced expertise in product design, material characterization, and competitive benchmarking


• Practical experience with stage‑gate innovation and product commercialization processes


• Strong knowledge of PE and PP applications and associated testing standards


• Extensive hands‑on experience in polyolefins laboratories, including compounding and polymer processing equipment


• Proficient in analytical, mechanical, optical, thermal, and rheological testing techniques


• Solid understanding of product value pillars and performance drivers in end‑use applications

Soft Skills

• Excellent planning and organizational skills


• Strong attention to detail with numerical and analytical strength


• Advanced analytical thinking and problem‑solving abilities


• Experience in data analysis, forecasting, and technical report writing

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, including professional presentations


• Solid understanding of business operations, costing, and budget management