Job Summary
The Director of Project Management / New Product Development plays a critical role in supporting business growth by partnering closely with Sales Account Managers to develop innovative PET packaging solutions that meet customer needs. This position serves as the technical liaison between customers, sales, production, technical services, and R&D teams to ensure the successful development, commercialization, and launch of new packaging products.
The successful candidate will lead packaging innovation initiatives, manage cross-functional projects, and drive continuous improvement in product performance, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency
Responsibilities
Customer & External Support
- Partner with Sales Account Managers during customer visits to provide technical packaging expertise and development support.
- Lead cross-functional teams to drive commercialization of new packaging solutions.
- Develop innovative packaging concepts and lead ideation efforts for new and existing products.
- Ensure bottle and closure designs are fit-for-purpose and aligned with customer requirements.
- Support new product introductions and manage project milestones throughout the development lifecycle.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for project updates and communication between customers and internal stakeholders.
- Troubleshoot packaging and design challenges while identifying effective technical solutions.
- Attend trade shows, customer events, and industry conferences to promote packaging capabilities and innovations.
- Monitor emerging technologies, materials, sustainability initiatives, and market trends within the PET packaging industry.
- Deliver technical presentations and provide subject matter expertise during customer meetings.
Internal Project Management
- Plan, coordinate, and oversee project activities to ensure timelines, deliverables, budgets, and objectives are achieved.
- Collaborate with production, technical services, quality, and R&D teams throughout the product development lifecycle.
- Support successful product launches through effective project leadership and cross-functional coordination.
- Organize customer testing and validation programs, including coordination with external laboratories when required.
- Evaluate and recommend optimal preform and bottle solutions based on:
o Technical performance
o Manufacturing capabilities
o Customer specifications
o Cost and efficiency considerations
- Partner with global applications and innovation teams to align technical standards, best practices, and innovation initiatives.
- Drive continuous improvement efforts focused on quality, productivity, and cost optimization.
Core Competencies
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Strong customer focus and technical support capabilities
- High energy, initiative, and engagement
- Expertise in packaging technologies, trends, and innovation, PET blow molding and Injection Preforms - fit form and function
- Understanding of PET packaging manufacturing processes and value chains
- Excellent project management and organizational skills - drive commercialization
- Ability to collaborate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Leadership skills with the ability to influence, motivate, and drive results across teams
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to execution excellence
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Packaging Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Minimum of 4 years of experience in:
o PET packaging engineering
o Packaging development and commercialization
o Field application support
o Manufacturing environments (preferred)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing multiple customer-facing projects simultaneously.
- Knowledge of PET bottle, preform, and closure design.
- Familiarity with packaging testing, validation, and regulatory requirements.
- Experience working within cross-functional product development teams.
- Project management certification or equivalent experience is a plus.
Key Success Factors
- Ability to balance customer expectations with operational capabilities.
- Proven ability to manage projects from concept through commercialization.
- Strong technical aptitude combined with business and customer-focused thinking.
- Passion for innovation, continuous improvement, and delivering high-quality packaging solutions.
This job description provides a general overview of the role and is not intended to list every task or responsibility. Duties and responsibilities may evolve, or change based on business needs at any time with or without prior notice.
Pay: From $145,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) 4% Match
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Packaging Development: 4 years (Required)
- PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): 4 years (Required)
- Manufacturing: 4 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
