Sustainable Innovations Manager

Printpack is seeking a Sustainable Innovations Manager. This position will work with customers to address needs in the market and co-develop solutions for new package designs that build the innovation pipeline. It will be located in Atlanta, GA and will report to the Sustainability Director.

Up to 35% travel is required.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s required with a preference in Packaging, Materials Science, Polymer, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering or Technical Design
• 10+ years of demonstrated success
• Technical Design Experience a plus
• High degree of commercial orientation and cross functional awareness a plus

Key Responsibilities:

• Attend applicable market tradeshows, industry conferences, etc.; engage with industry leaders, suppliers, partners, and current and future customers to address market needs for sustainable packaging innovations and solutions. Deliver content and engage in panel discussions.
• Develops/cultivates relationships with channel partners, including suppliers and packaging equipment OEMs.
• Visit external customers, along with sales, marketing and technical associates, regarding innovation and development activities, and prepare and deliver presentations on the status of various product platform and market development initiatives focused on sustainability.
• Analyze market research to understand the voice of the customer, retailers and consumers to understand how we can differentiate vs. competition or position appropriately.
• Identify new concepts that align with business growth targets, market segment teams, and overall sustainability objectives; leverage resources effectively in the commercialization process.
• Work individually and with commercial teams to develop sustainable packaging concepts, along with supporting specifications to meet customer and/or market needs.
• Understand end market circumstances in driving point of sale conversion.
• Lead consumer and market insight development and testing needed for sustainable packaging projects.
• Follow intellectual property processes and protocols to create IP, which includes completion of invention disclosures and filing patent applications.
• Contribute to, prepare, present and follow-up on research proposals and project documentation; including commercial sponsorship of C2C (Concept to Commercialization) projects focused on sustainability
• Create and lead innovation sessions focused on customer specific sustainability commitments and/or requirements; brainstorming, field research, focus groups, concept prototyping, presentation building, presenting and follow-up activities.
• Develop and incorporate market messaging and value propositions for targeted markets & products related to sustainable packaging