Technical Engineering Director

PPC FLEX•Kansas City, KS

About The Position

This job description and performance standard document has been prepared as a guide to ensure better communication and understanding. All responsibilities, however, have not been included, nor could they be. Your Supervisor/Manager may from time to time ask you to perform other related duties not specifically included in this description. Likewise, this description will be revised when required to meet current business needs. Additionally, given our 24/7 production environment, flexibility in work hours outside of normal business hours may be necessary to complete specific project goals and business objectives.

Requirements

Requires a degree in Packaging Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or Chemical Engineering, or closely related technical fields. A typical candidate for this position would have a minimum of 10-15 years of experience in packaging engineering and related managerial activities with a proven record of growth and or innovation in leading teams.
Ideally the candidate in this position will have extensive experience with and working knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes involved with Flexible Plastic Packaging, and both Flexographic and Digital printing technology.
Must be able to lead and coordinate multiple projects with and through several direct reports to effectively On-Board new business to support corporate growth goals.
Budget and Management experience to effectively lead and develop teams of technical staff.
Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills for effective communications with internal teams, customers, and suppliers.
Able to follow directions and working under a flexible dynamic of immediate supervision to minimal/no supervision depending upon the task and its criticality to the organization.
Good math skills and data analysis skills so that decisions and conclusions are based upon sound scientific judgment and/or statistical analysis.
Ability to utilize standard test equipment including a tape measure, ruler, micrometer, tensile tester, and other tools utilized in a packaging engineering function.
Able to accept verbal direction to successfully complete procedures and assigned tasks.
Basic knowledge of PPC products and processes along with the downstream processes of our customers.
Demonstrated track record of product innovations and process improvements.
Proven ability to work throughout the organizational structure while treating everyone with dignity and respect.
Good verbal and written communication skills required.
Proven experience working in teams and utilizing the talents of others to achieve the goals of the group.
Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently using proven and standard methods of project management.

Nice To Haves

Experience with utilizing continuous improvement methods (lean manufacturing, six sigma, etc.) is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead, manage, and develop the Packaging Engineering team and coordinate communications and effectiveness of product development activities.
Balance resource priorities and project sequencing with sales and customer needs in line with project ONE work flows
Test, analyze, and assist in the selection of materials for packaging based on fit, form, function, ,durability and cost effectiveness.
Create, implement and utilize a standard stage gate process for product development with monthly summary reporting and formal quarterly executive reviews
Develop an Innovation Council that includes internal and external experts with a process to rank and prioritize, then track and manage, the critical few long term high value projects
Translate customer requirements into product and process specifications so that the resulting packaging product meets or exceeds the needs of the customer.
Utilizes knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within the field of packaging engineering, graphics reproduction, and Flexible Plastic Packaging.
Maintain and actively manage Intellectual Property fo the applicable business unit segments
Create and execute internal and customer trials for new business development.
Direct the activities of field service engineer(s) in close collaboration with sales
Maintain the location and contents of the sample inventory area in the warehouse and offices.
Requires collaboration with both QA and CI teams, reporting to manufacturing, to engineer and develop packaging and support processes to meet customer requirements, and address quality issues.
Requires collaboration with Strategic Sourcing and Ops teams to actively work cost savings and pursuit of continuous improvement initiatives.
Creation of packaging die lines in conjunction with new products or revisions to existing products.
Creation of packaging mockups/hand samples as needed for business development activities.
Assist in the qualification of new equipment, suppliers, processes, or material grades as needed.
This position will rely on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
Domestic and international travel may be required periodically in conjunction with customer visits, supplier visits, and other project activities.