POSITIONHood Packaging Corporation is seeking an experienced
Corporate Research & Development Manager.
SCOPE OF POSITIONThe Corporate Research & Development Manager will play a key role in coordinating product development, raw material qualification, resin blend optimization, and continuous improvement activities across all Plastic facilities. The position supports the Director of the Research & Development Division through collaboration while leading development projects, supporting manufacturing operations, and driving continuous improvement initiatives that improve quality, performance, and profitability.
FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTSProduct Development and Commercialization- Lead and coordinate product development and technical service activities across the Plastics Division.
- Plan, coordinate, and track plant trials, customer qualifications, and the commercialization of new products and technologies.
- Improve existing products through film-structure design, material optimization, process evaluation, testing, and performance validation.
Raw Materials, Cost, and Technology- Work closely with the DRD and Vice President of Procurement team overseeing evaluation, testing, certification, and approval of new raw-material sources, additives, and suppliers.
- Partner with Corporate Procurement and suppliers to align sourcing strategies with divisional product, performance, and cost objectives.
- Provide technical recommendations and supporting documentation to assist in approval of raw materials.
- Lead division-wide resin blend optimization, material cost reduction, and technology deployment initiatives.
Customer, Sales, and Manufacturing Support- Collaborate with Operations, Sales, Product Development personnel, and customers to create products that deliver optimal overall value for Hood Packaging and its customers.
- Provide technical support to customers, Sales teams, and manufacturing facilities on product performance, application requirements, and development projects.
- When requested, support sales through customer visits, technical presentations, product recommendations, and evaluations of new business opportunities.
- Participate in investigations involving product quality, manufacturing performance, customer complaints, and field-performance concerns; support the implementation of corrective actions.
- Help evaluate each plastic plant's current abilities and equipment needs for QA lab testing.
Industry Leadership and Divisional Support- Maintain current knowledge of flexible-packaging trends, resin and additive developments, emerging technologies, customer requirements, and competitive capabilities.
- When needed, attend relevant trade shows, technical conferences, supplier meetings, and customer meetings as required.
- Participate in strategic planning and process-improvement initiatives across the Plastics Division.
- Provide short-term product development and technical service coverage at Plastics Division facilities as needed.
APPLY TODAY!Please review the attachments for more information about the position and benefits.
