Research and Development Manager

For more than 15 years, Taghleef Industries, Inc. has built a reputation as one of the world’s largest and most recognized industry leaders in specialty BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) films.

Research & Development Manager (Food Packaging)

Responsible for leading the R&D organization in North America and Canada, the Research activities and Development project portfolio to support the Business Teams Flexibles and Labels in their activities towards Taghleef´s customers so that they can bring new innovations to the market.

The R&D team consists of;

• R&D Scientists that work on Process Technologies and Material Sciences.
• R&D Engineers that work on Application development and supporting the Business Teams Flexibles and Labels.
• R&D laboratory that provides analytical services.
• R&D pilot plant that organizes and carries out the qualification of raw materials, the determination of process windows, and development of new structure.

Responsibilities also include managing budgets, setting targets, and contributing to the implementation of the overall business strategy. This role will also ensure communication and presentations to inside Taghleef groups and external contacts including customers, suppliers, trade associations, universities, and consultants.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and prioritize R&D activities in North America and Canada.
• Provide R&D expertise, guidance, and strategy to develop, optimize, validate, and execute projects.
• Cooperate with Business Teams to understand and monitor competitive landscape and customers’ needs.
• Coordinate with R&D team members (scientists and R&D engineers) to define the technical strategy to accomplish agreed targets.
• Definition of Intellectual Properties and support of global IP coordinator.
• Establishment of policy for utilization of shared R&D resources together with stakeholders, implementation, and adaptation.
• Manage timely pursuance of development projects across the North America and Canada sites in coordination with the local teams in other regions.
• Accountability for project timelines.
• Participation in business development activities.
• In coordination with Technical Service, promotes and pursues cooperation with customers, suppliers of conversion machines and other external partners.
• Scouting for technologies, materials, and processes to diversify portfolio and increase value, advise senior management accordingly and pursue agreed projects.
• Provide European stakeholders with strategic regulatory and R&D policy perspectives.
• Guide and advise senior management in selecting strategic targets, establishing priorities, and developing and executing projects.
• Align with the Group R&D Strategy and ensure regional support for Global Projects.
• Structure of the R&D organization for NA/CAN in coordination with the Group R&D leader and the Business heads.
• Develop and apply R&D management tools (project list, stage-gate process, governance).
• Run regular project reviews with stakeholders.
• Support cost calculation and reporting.
• Allocate and manage R&D budget.
• Accountability for project timelines.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree required, Ph.D. degree preferred, in Chemistry, Material Science, Polymer Science, or closely related field.
• At least 10 years of related experience in film manufacturing or packaging industry.
• Backgrounds in Food Contact applications, especially if related to moisture, gas, and aroma barrier, are considered a plus.
• Excellent knowledge of raw materials related to flexible packaging and labels.
• Mature project management skills and experience in using tools for it.
• Experience with R&D stage-gate process management.
• Management experience and proven leadership roles.
• Project management skills and experience.
• Cost thinking and customer orientation.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Negotiations and presentation skills.
• Solid understanding of overall company strategy and business acumen.
• Result oriented!
• Experienced in dealing with large global organizations.
• Self-motivated, innovative, and detail oriented.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in linking polymer structure and formulation to real world applications.
• Ability to analyze problems, conduct experiments, and make data supported decisions.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of people and environments.
• Knowledge of applications, processing techniques, product properties, and competitive products.
• Professionalism, creativity, and enthusiasm to get things done and to convince internal and external partners/alliances.
• Market and product intelligence (flexible packaging and labels).
• English native speaker or fluent in English.
• Ability to travel up to 30%.

Taghleef is a Drug Free Workplace - Must pass pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Taghleef Industries, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law.