The Manager, Fibers & New Formats provides functional leadership in fiber-based packaging and enables accessibility through identifying material and processing choices for new pack formats. This scope includes material and process advances in fiber-based packaging including understanding of process equipment, forming techniques, material requirements for runnability etc. This position requires reasonable working knowledge of different processing platforms and will work hand in hand with external technology acquisition and engineering & conversion teams. This position reports to the Senior Director, Materials & Sustainability which is part of the Packaging Research & Engineering organization in TI&SC. The position is located in Atlanta.
What You’ll Do for Us
Innovation Pipeline Development: Work with material and equipment suppliers in developing sustainable, new to the world materials / formats and develop proof of concept solutions.
Include in scope material and process leadership to the system on fiber-based packaging with particular focus on paper cups, straws, lids, aseptic cartons, gable-top cartons, etc. Partner with Director of PET and Barrier Technologies in developing functional barrier solutions for fiber-based packaging and new formats.
- Technical Capability Development: Continually advance the technical capabilities accessible to TCCS through build (internal developments) / buy (purchased services) / borrow (joint developments) strategy. Manage and maintain sustainability metrics for fiber based and new emerging formats to help provide direction to innovation platforms. Manage specifications related to paper based primary packaging such as cartons, cups etc.
- Technology Stewardship: Serve as the subject matter expert for the system in fiber-based packaging with good working knowledge in different forming techniques / equipment used for small size packs. Track the global implementation status of different technologies across the network to capture learnings and to facilitate lift & translate globally.
- Technical Problem Solving: Support the business in solving technical problems where subject matter expertise is needed, including business continuity challenges. Build in-house knowledge base of various forming techniques and processing platforms as well as good understanding of drivers of scalability such as product protection including barrier performance, product integrity, supply chain needs etc. to support category needs.
- Internal Influence: Deliver new packaging solutions enabled by material innovations to support OU and category needs in seamless collaboration with corporate Engineering & Conversion and Global Development & Innovation teams.
- External Influence: Leverage key external partners to bring new solutions through their innovation and technology development for maximum value to TCCS. Engage with external partners such as the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI), Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) and Bio Products Institute (BPI).
- Intellectual Property: Continuously monitor the global IP landscape to proactively identify and address emerging opportunities and potential threats in the aligned technology domains.
- Competitive Benchmarking: Track global competitive activity and maintain evergreen SWOT analysis to inform the innovation pipeline and technical capability developments.
Qualifications & Requirements
Required
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in a science, engineering, or related field
- 5+ years of professional experience in innovation and creative work
- In depth knowledge of fiber packaging materials & forming technologies
- Strong Project management, SPC and DOE knowledge
- Package innovation experience – concept development, scale-up of new technologies
Preferred
- Education: Master's degree in a science, engineering, or related field
- Experience leading cross functional project teams
