Enjoy a career, packaged with care, whilst helping protect food, people and the planet
We are a key global provider of sustainable packaging solutions. We're on a mission to make all packaging recyclable, reusable, or compostable. Every day, we ensure the hygiene and safety of food and drink for people around the world. We are Huhtamaki.
You could be part of our vision. Because it's our talented people that make it happen. Our people on the shop floor producing innovative, sustainable products. Our people in our offices delivering excellence for our customers every day. It's every one of us working together.
We offer a place where you can feel safe, be supported, and make an impact so we can all focus on the future together.
Your opportunity
We're currently looking for a R&D Manager, Extrusion Materials to join the R&D team in our Flexible Packaging Segment. In this position, you will play an active role in technical development, manage key initiatives, and develop and drive strategic innovation areas to fulfil our segment strategy.
Reporting into the Head of Core R&D and Product Sustainability, you will evaluate organizational needs and pioneer the development of technical and commercially viable solutions as a foundation for future Flexible Packaging solutions.
Where you'll be
You will be located at one of our Flexible sites in Europe, ideally Ronsberg, Germany.
What you'll be doing
* Lead the development of next generation sustainable materials for use in flexible packaging applications, with a focus on reducing environmental impact and improving performance and global harmonization
* Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to scout, identify and evaluate new Extrusion materials, to create sustainable and affordable packaging solutions.
* Establish with global operations and quality global blueloop standards towards segment wide standards and relevant business systems to track
* Drive global know-how generation through cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing initiatives, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of sustainable materials development.
* Lead recipe harmonization initiatives and back-up material qualification to ensure business consistency
* Lead and consult specific recipe improvements out of customer performance demands or recyclability regulation like incorporation of recycled content
* Utilize value engineering techniques to optimize material performance and reduce costs, working closely with sourcing and manufacturing teams to identify opportunities for process improvements and cost savings.
* Develop and execute testing plans to validate material performance and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, with an emphasis on regulatory and sustainability metrics such as carbon footprint/PFAS free conversion
* Provide technical expertise and support to customers and internal stakeholders, including troubleshooting and problem-solving related to sustainable materials and packaging solutions
What you'll bring to the role
* Demonstrable credentials as a leading Subject Matter Expert and Collaborator with hands on experience in resins
* B.S.c in Packaging or Polymer/Materials Science degree
* 5 years of experience working in the relevant area of Extrusion - Cast and Blown technology, orientation processes, resins - in film production and coating/lamination or chemistry and polymers.
* Have proven experience in product development – resin to process and application.
* Strong understanding of polymer science and various processing techniques to include polymer rheology, stabilization and overall additive formulations, cast and blown film extrusion, surface treatment and other secondary processes.
* Understanding of best in class polymer analytics to help assess, identify and develop flexible packaging solutions.
* Ability to lead without solid lines as Global professional with strong cross-cultural awareness, personal responsibility and professionalism
* Ability to build robust working processes and alignment across different geographies with external and internal teams.
* Flexibility, ability to work under pressure, confident appearance with customers and suppliers
* Advanced ability to recommend and implement technical solutions for cross-functional projects
* Strong communication skills and fluency in English
* Values similar to ours: Care, Dare and Deliver
What we offer in return
* The opportunity to work in a truly global organisation
* The opportunity to work with, and learn from, talented colleagues
* A competitive salary
* Strong benefits package
Go ahead, apply today
If this sounds like a good fit, then we'd love to hear from you.
If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Adam Davis, Senior Global TA Manager,
Join us. Help protect food, people and the planet .