Director Paper & Pulp Center for Innovation

Sabert Corporation•Sayreville, NJ

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The CFI Director – Pulp & Paper is a hybrid opportunity that leads Sabert’s pulp and paper technical innovation agenda, developing new platforms and products, advancing barrier/coating technologies, and improving performance, sustainability, and manufacturability of molded fiber and paper solutions. The role owns the Pulp & Paper technical portfolio from concept to commercialization through Sabert’s stage-gate governance, partnering cross-functionally to deliver growth and margin expansion while meeting food contact, performance, and environmental standards.

Requirements

BS or equivalent degree in Paper Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field
10-15+ years in pulp/paper or molded fiber packaging R&D with proven commercialization record
Expertise in forming processes, barrier coatings/laminations, and converting
Strong command of material testing (TAPPI/ASTM), food-contact compliance, and reliability engineering
Demonstrated leadership in stage-gate, portfolio management, and cross-functional program delivery
Experience with sustainability frameworks (FSC/PEFC, recyclability/composability claims, LCA)
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Applicants must be currently authorized to work legally in the United States for Sabert. Sabert will not commence an employment-based immigration case to fill this open position

Nice To Haves

Experience in sustainable packaging or related industries.
Background in supply chain, operations, or manufacturing processes.
Familiarity with Lean or continuous improvement methodologies
Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and influencing abilities across all organizational levels
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Passion for sustainability and innovation in packaging solution

Responsibilities

Define and execute Sabert’s pulp and paper innovation strategy aligned with growth and sustainability goals
Lead development of new molded fiber and paperboard solutions, including high-heat, sealable, and barrier-enhanced technologies
Drive end-to-end product development from concept through pilot and full-scale commercialization using stage-gate processes
Advance barrier coatings, laminations, and material technologies to improve performance and differentiation
Oversee R&D labs, pilot trials, and testing standards (TAPPI, ASTM, food-contact compliance)
Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Commercial, Marketing, and Procurement to bring innovations to market
Support manufacturing scale-up and define critical process parameters for successful production
Lead sustainability initiatives including fiber sourcing (FSC/PEFC), recyclability, composability, and lifecycle assessments
Build and develop a high-performing technical team while managing budgets, capital projects, and innovation pipelines