Product Technology Director

Job Description

The Product Technology Director is responsible for the execution and delivery of Supply Chain driven projects related to business continuity, cost savings and product line extensions, as well as the Supply Chain aspect of R&D led projects. This individual leads Supply Chain project prioritization and partners with R&D and other business units to accelerate new product introductions and to ensure Supply Chain availability. This position will have direct responsibility for the NA Product Technology team.

•    Responsible to lead a group of high performing professionals in multiple locations in North America; provides technical leadership and coaching to the team.
•    Works with R&D and Process Engineering groups to improve the product transition process.  Ensure that all key programs are adequately supported.  Ensure that speed to market and improved quality are facilitated by our organization’s involvement.
•    Drives the qualification process of alternate raw materials both for cost savings, obsolescence and business continuity purposes.
•    Ensure all proposed projects have followed the prescribed process for approval.
•    Organize and conduct monthly review of Supply Chain driven 3-Stage Projects in North America
•    Ensure all Supply Chain requirements are met for Innovation Delivery projects in Food and Product Care in conjunction with RD and Operations teams.
•    Supports Operations Leadership in multiple plants across the globe to ensure business continuity and supply chain enablement.
•    Ensure all project finances are on budget and properly forecasted through established tools
•    Measurement and communication of project metrics in relation to projected outcome
•    Coordinate SC activity related to Regulatory Compliance
•    Work with vendors (both approved and potential) to improve alternate products.
•    Assist/Lead organizational efforts to change processes (IDP, Product Lifecycle Management, Project Management, etc.)

•    Communicate best practices with other regions
•    Assist in ensuring population/management of SOC’s/SOPs to properly communicate any changes that effect production.
•    Acts as key technical resource for Supply Chain.

Qualifications

•    Demonstrated flexibility within a high-performance work environment and matrix managed organization.
•    Excellent communication, organization, negotiation and presentation skills.
•    BS / MS in Engineering (preferably in chemical or polymers engineering) or related field. 
•    Requires experience with extrusion process and equipment, solid working knowledge of film conversion processing, and high proficiency in polymers, additives, and other materials used in food and protective packaging.
•    Requires knowledge of statistical techniques and tools, their use and interpretation
•    Requires ability to manage a project and process involving multiple manufacturing areas, plants, and across various portions of the business.
•    Has demonstrated ability to work well with others from Business Leaders including R&D, Sales, Marketing, and Operations.
•    Previous people management experience preferred.
•    PMP (Project Management Professional) Certification desired.  
•    10+ years prior, related experience (polymer technology, polymer materials selection, food / protective packaging applications experience)
•    Design of Experiments, Lean Six Sigma, SPC or equivalent experience preferred.
•    Self-starter, driven, engaging, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision
•    Travel up to 20%.