Manager Innovation

The Company kp•Charlottesville, VA

About The Position

The Company kp is a globally recognised leader in the packaging and specialty film industry, renowned for its unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation. The need to act on climate change has never been clearer so we incorporate sustainability into everything we do by #InvestingInBetter - creating innovative products that enhance product protection, shelf life and contribute to reducing the overall carbon footprint. At kp, we are passionate about ensuring our customers' satisfaction, and we strive to achieve this goal by focusing all our efforts on meeting their evolving needs. Our dedication to drive a positive change in the packaging industry with a focus on quality and sustainability has earned us a reputation as a trusted partner for businesses worldwide. kp is currently looking for a Manager Innovation & i-Center Services at our i-Center based in Charlottesville, VA. This role is a combination of hands on work as well as people and services management and involves managing conversion activities such as extrusion, coating and thermoforming. The ideal candidate would possess strong solid works, tool design and modeling expertise along with basic knowledge of polymers.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering/Tool Engineering/Design Engineering and 6-8 years of relevant industry experience.
Working knowledge of Solid Works/Pro E/T Sim/Cad Cam and such tool design and engineering software.
Working knowledge of various polymer rheology simulation software such as Moldflow etc.
Basic knowledge of polymers, polymer rheology and structure property relationship with special focus on PET/PP/PE.
Knowledge or willingness to learn conversion technologies such as thermoforming & coating.
Understanding of product development process transitioning from concept, lab, pilot to commercial scale.
Hands-on experience using various design and simulation software.
Hands on experience interpreting technical drawings and specifications.
Hands on experience using various instruments such as tensile tester, impact tester, rapid prototyping.
Proficient in Microsoft Office – Ability to Enter and Interpret Data in Excel and Write Project Reports in Word.
Ability to lead, coach & mentor team members.
Ability to communicate clearly and timely with both internal and external stakeholders
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to independently engage with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Ability to efficiently handle multiple projects at the same time.
Self-motivated, proactive, and solution-oriented.
Comfortable working in a dynamic, hands-on environment.
Strategic thinking and a good understanding of business and customer needs.
Willingness to travel occasionally for customer support or training.

Nice To Haves

Background in Pharma/Medical Device Packaging a plus.
Understanding of regulatory norms for pharma and medical devices a plus.

Responsibilities

Interact with internal stakeholders (sales/key account management/product line management) and external stakeholders (customer/partners) to support quotation and drive business for i-center services.
Understand customer requirements and translate them into project proposals with deliverables, timelines and costs.
Write detailed and timely project reports and share the same with internal (sales/product line management/key account management) and external stakeholders (Customers/Partners).
Manage transactions such as purchase orders and/or invoices for customers paying for i-Center services.
Manage suppliers and vendors for the i-center.
Support and manage all activities targeted for direct and indirect revenue for i.center.
Support customer visits to the i-center and be key contact for coordinating the same with sales & product line management functions.
Manage conversion technology such as extrusion, coating, thermoforming and tool machining – be involved in planning for the same.
Develop 3D modeling for Pharma, Medical Device and Consumer Packaging Thermoformable Blisters.
Design tool sets and solid models for various thermoformed blisters formats.
Set up, run and maintain form, fill and seal machines such as flat and rotary sealing machines.
Perform pack outs and analyze blister filled and unfilled packages as per customer requirements.
Interact with internal customers (sales and product line management) and external customers to support quotation and business solicitation for i-center services.
Produce technical drawings of tool components.
Support innovation projects (US and Europe) with various forming and sealing trials.