Overview
UK Hybrid • A Global Packaging Manufacturer (film experience essential) is recruiting for a Product Development Lead / Product Development Manager / Technical Manager to lead and direct the product development and technical team in developing and executing product development strategies, programs and material science identification / implementation action plans to deliver sustainable and profitable growth. This role requires extensive experience in blown film manufacturing, with significant experience in material science, product development across a wide range of polymers, lamination practices, project management and product commercialization.
Responsibilities
* Lead identification and assessment of new polymer resins, additive packages, and extrusion technologies (e.g., multilayer die designs, advanced cooling systems, auto-gauging, and surface treatment methods).
* Ensure new product developments are compatible with existing blown film extrusion capabilities, including layer configuration, resin throughput, gauge control, and winding systems; when gaps exist, lead the justification and specification of new equipment or process upgrades to support product strategy.
* Analyze and enhance product portfolio profitability through film structure optimization (layer simplification, downgauging), resin substitution, process efficiency improvements, such as reduced scrap rates, higher output, and product rationalization.
* Support marketing and commercial teams by translating customer and market needs into film performance specifications including puncture resistance, seal strength, optics, COF; lead product development justification and launch processes through collaboration with marketing, operations, supply chain, and leadership.
* Partner with Sales, Manufacturing, Customers, and Material Sourcing to drive film innovation and cost reduction — such as resin requalification, recycled content integration, downgauging initiatives, and continuous improvement.
* Lead technical investigations and manage change control for material, process, and formulation modifications including resin supplier changes, additive reformulation, cooling or nip system adjustments; document and publish validation results, including mechanical and optical performance testing.
* Generate and communicate regular technical activity reports, summarizing project status, trial outcomes, and recommendations for process optimization or product improvement.
* Lead, develop, and manage the R&D process, setting priorities for film trials, process optimization, and new product introduction.
* Manage R&D and process improvement projects to ensure optimal use of laboratory and production line resources; maintain focus on delivering commercially viable, scalable film solutions.
* Maintain ongoing technical engagement with customers to support co-development projects, resin trials, and performance validation, enhancing customer satisfaction, sales growth, and long-term partnerships.
Qualifications
You will be a Product Development Lead / Product Development Manager with a degree, preferably in chemical engineering, polymer science or polymer engineering. Ideally 5+ years' experience in blown film manufacturing, with significant experience in material science, product development and people management. This role requires a wide range of polymers, lamination practices, project management and product commercialization. A solid working knowledge of development processes and related manufacturing and experience using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point), Visio, Teams, and Outlook.
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