What are the responsibilities and job description for the Raw Materials & Product Development Specialist position at Balcan Innovations Inc.?
Company Overview
Balcan Innovations Inc. is a leading manufacturer of flexible packaging and technical films. With over 50 years of expertise, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative solutions to customers across North America and internationally. Our commitment to excellence drives us to continuously develop advanced products that meet evolving industry needs.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Raw Material Technical Manager, the Raw Materials & Product Development Specialist (RM-PD) works in the Product Technology Group on the qualification process of new raw materials while also providing technical support to the Operations team and participating in the New Product Introduction process.
Responsibilities
Raw Materials Responsibilities
- Participate in and support the resin optionality & cost optimization projects within expected timeline.
- With the support of the project leader or RM Technical manager, ensure required amounts of raw materials are ordered and set up in the ERP system for testing.
- Responsible for coordinating with Planning and Production on the execution of identified trial items to be tested.
- Be onsite for new RM qualification and work closely with the Manufacturing Technology group on the documentation of trials at all stages.
- Responsible for arranging internal and external testing needed and documenting key results.
- Develop a wide, always up-to-date network of suppliers and technical resources
- Remain up to date with trends by participating in relevant RM conferences
- Propose new ideas to optimize portfolio of RM
- Responsible for the management and maintenance of the Raw Material Technical Library with a scientific approach.
Product Development Responsibilities:
- Support the New Product Introduction (NPI) initiatives by analyzing specifications, application requirements, recipes, and manufacturing methods and assess feasibility of requests for new products.
- Visit customers to understand product performance requirements, define business value, and gather technical feedback
- Provide technical support for product qualification, including samples, trials, and scale-ups
- Offer ongoing technical assistance to key customers to ensure product satisfaction and performance
- Participate in complaint resolution processes for key projects
- Coordinate with Sales and Marketing teams during product launches
- The incumbent must perform their duties in accordance with current procedures, quality management system requirements, food safety requirements, and good manufacturing practices in accordance with the site's current certification (ISO 9001, SQF, GMP/BPF) and actively contribute to continuous improvement.
Job Qualifications & Requirements
- Engineering Degree required (Packaging, Materials, Mechanical or Chemical). MSc and PhD are considered an asset.
- Minimum 3-5 years of technical experience in thermoplastic resin processing.
- Solid understanding of resins, colors, and additives
- Willingness to travel throughout Canada and the US.
- Problem-solving acumen to analyze raw material challenges and recommend appropriate solutions.
- Must be proficient in English and possess strong communication skills.
- Microsoft Office proficiency.
- Experience in the flexible packaging industry.
- Fundamental knowledge of polymers, extrusion, plastic films and converting.
Required knowledge and skills
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Outstanding documentation practices.
Join us at Balcan Innovations Inc. where your expertise will help shape the future of innovative packaging solutions!
Pay: $75,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- AD&D insurance
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $75,000 - $95,000