Senior Manager Packaging Innovation

Position Summary:
Manager, Packaging Development will drive the creation and implementation of innovative packaging solutions using a rigorous, data-driven approach for both direct and indirect customers. This leader is expected to be results-oriented, setting high expectations and guiding teams (both direct and indirect) to achieve measurable results. While a strong and broad foundation in corrugated materials (corrugated structures, board and paper properties) is essential, the ideal candidate will focus on providing strategic solutions through the identification of design concepts, advanced data analysis, and the generation of actionable insights in an effort to mitigate risk and provide a roadmap for moving us or our customers forward (results). This individual must have extensive problem-solving skills to identify and take on new/unknown challenges that could have a significant impact to our customers or our business. This includes identification and development of new fiber based products and becoming a subject matter expert in emerging trends. The role requires exceptional communication and collaboration skills at manufacturing, technical and executive levels. By leveraging the expertise and support of others, this manager will maintain and advance the culture of excellence, ensuring PCA remains the supplier of choice through proactive problem-solving and customer-focused innovation.

Dimensions: Problem solving and solution selling is a core focus. This individual will manage and mentor package developers in addition to leading and hands on contribution to value oriented projects across multiple manufacturing locations and customers at a national level. They will address technical challenges of interest to key stakeholders across the company and will be expected to leverage knowledge gained in targeted studies for broad applicability. Application of current and generated data in clear logical formats to mitigate risk of change/movement is a key (Complete solution selling) .

Principal Accountabilities:

Lead customer interaction and collaboration at high levels to understand and distill customer need and provide value-added analysis for customer-focused projects, clearly connecting problem statement and resolution through both written and oral presentation to executive levels.
Understanding industry trends in order to guide customers towards more “future-proof” packaging approaches.
Create, communicate, and execute systematic methodologies with both internal and external stakeholders, enabling us to drive to problem resolution efficiently and effectively.

Lead and promote package development related best practices to the broader group of design individuals across PCA

Explore new product innovation centered around fiber based materials that have potential for wide scale usage.
Identify/Conceive/Develop material or packaging products and or information (innovate)

Identifying market trends and gaps in (PCA or market) fiberbased products that could be actionable
Leverage data gathered at multiple sites to identify generalized operational improvements broadly applicable.
Design of experiments and statistical analysis experience is beneficial

Work safely both on site and off; collaborate with all site employees in safe operation of all lab equipment and develop safety-training improvements; and support site safety goals.
Responsible for knowing and following policies and procedures of the company; for sharing information that would benefit other members of the team; and for finding ways to improve the delivery of service to our Customers.
Continually strive to strengthen PCA’s business philosophy of meeting needs and exceeding expectation for Customers. This includes supporting PCA’s Commitment to Service which involves doing what’s right for our Customers, focusing on strategies that add value and support growth, and keeping the promises that we make.

Decision Making: This position requires a professional able to make independent, timely and considered decisions regarding the time required to drive to a problem solution and the required robustness of the solution and it’s implementation. The SR Manager of Innovation is expected to drive design and innovation at a national level across multiple manufacturing sites and multi-site customers. The Sr Manager of Innovation will identify and develop new product offerings, material or information, that can be leveraged by the greater selling or design team. They will be relied upon to bring added value through analytical reporting and presentation of complex results distilled for a broad range of consumption. They should exercise discretion and creativity in determining the best way to address customer needs, taking general directions or problem statements, and making decisions as to the approach to completing assigned projects. Employee readily handles complex objectives and customer challenges largely independently, while recognizing the value brought by occasionally collaborating with team members and management.

Interactions with Customers and Contacts: This position works cooperatively with individuals across PCA at a national level, with frequent verbal and written communication with internal Customers (sales and plant operations, national and local sales groups, etc.), external Customers, and PCA/TDS management. The extensive customer interactions and interactions with internal stakeholders in other PCA facilities requires clear communication and an ability to simplify and clearly explain complex test methodology both orally and in written form. This individual should be able to foster collaboration internally and externally to meet customer satisfaction goals.

Position Requirements

BS in packaging, science or engineering with a minimum of 10 years of experience with a significant portion in the paper/packaging field or a demonstrable equivalent
A demonstrable history of leadership, creativity/innovation, analytical thinking and professional presentation.
This position is primarily onsite with travel up to 25%, by appropriate modes.
Capable of safely handling packages of up to greater of 50 lbs. or SOPI/OSHA limits (or 100 lbs. with assistance) as needed for performance of the position.
Commitment to develop and foster strong working relationships.

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