Product Development Manager

Job Summary: Join our dynamic team as a Product Development Manager, where you will lead innovative projects and drive the creation of cutting-edge products.  Formulate, recommend and direct research and development programs to meet Company’s needs for the improvement and or cost reduction of existing products and processes, as well as the introduction of new products and processes. Plans for the most quality driven and cost-effective utilization of materials.   

Responsibilities:

• Provide project management leadership to meet business needs
• Determines the appropriate materials needed to achieve successful completion of initiatives.
• Researches and monitors existing client base and industry developments and identifies potential new product opportunities.
• Applies knowledge of materials and recommends engineering and manufacturing changes to attain design objectives.
• Lead technology transfer to manufacturing
• Lead cross functional teams on projects
• Visit customer facilities to discuss/resolve concerns relating to IP products and/or to work on new projects or products.
• Leverage innovation and information from packaging and material suppliers
• Provide guidance to the team on projects
• Other duties as assigned
• Responsible for compliance with all regulatory, facility food safety, and quality policies and procedures including product safety (GMPs) policies and procedures.

Job Specification/Requirements:

• Demonstrates expertise in a variety of product development concepts, practices and procedures.
• Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals
• Positively lead and influence team members to partner together to achieve individual and business goals
• At least 10 years of experience in the field 
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, and verbal and written communication skills. 
• Complete understanding of Flexible Packaging.
• Complete understanding of raw materials, production processes, quality control, and costs associated with production of flexible packaging and labels
• Comprehensive background, understanding, and experience with PC and Microsoft Word, Excel.
• ISO experience is a plus.   

Essential Functions: 

• Reading, writing, computer and math skills
• Strong scientific and engineering knowledge
• Strong analytical skills
• Must have ability to communicate effectively at all levels – production employees, administrative personnel, supervision and management
• Ability to evaluate, assess and make decisions. 
• Must have mobility necessary to interact with all departments located throughout the building.
• Must be able to distinguish subtle shades of color accurately.  (Colorblind test is required.) 
• Reflexes must be in excellent condition for quick response time around moving machinery.  Employee must be able to react to rapidly moving parts in order to avoid serious injury to his/herself or other employee’s limbs or other life-threatening injuries.  Employee must be completely alert at all times to and observe strict safety precautions around operating machinery. 
• Strong organization and attention to detail