New Product Development Specialist

JOB PURPOSEGraphic Packaging International is one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world’s most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, healthcare, beauty, and pet care products. As part of the regulation change for Plastic replacement, customers are looking a privileged partner to propose innovation that can comply with the regulation and strengthen their brands. As a result, the NPD Commercialization Project Manager –is responsible within the beverage segment for overseeing new product and product extension commercialisation in the segment fort he international region. He Will liaise closely with structural design, packaging machinery as well as the sales team, to execute on key customer initiatives / new product launches (Packaging approval, internal / external trials, pack testing through to market launch)Support the sales team as required with technical presentations and enquiresKEY RESPONSABILITIESManage all aspects of packaging projects, from packaging solution presentation, customer approval, final testing, machinery approval, and market launchLeads and manages the regional commercialization managers - primary role being to, take a project after concept development through market launch, working closely with structural design, machinery and carton manufacturing.An interface between Customer, Sales, Carton Design, Packaging Machinery and Manufacturing by providing regular project situational reporting, weekly reports etcOrganises and facilitates project meetings of representatives from each group to communicate progress and maintain project timelines for key projectsDevelops and implements project plans and schedules for timely project completion and communicates these as requiredCreate, analyses and evaluate product development timelines and proactively raise concerns/solutions if timelines are impactedAttends line trials and customer interface meetings to support sales, machinery and manufacturingProtects our Intellectual Property and Trade Secrets by managing information and relationships with customers and suppliers.KPI’S-Project delivery in time-Customer satisfaction rate-Innovation net Sales per yearTECHNICAL SKILLSDegree level education with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in the packaging industry, packaging machinery or structural design, preferably in a folding carton environmentPrevious Beverage Packaging or project management experience preferredPrevious leadership experience preferredLanguages preferredContinuous improvement experience desirable – Sigma certifiedRequires a thorough understanding of cross divisional disciplines from design to productionExcellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to represent the company at a high energy levelProject Management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines on a continuous basisINTERPERSONAL SKILLSSolution OrientedBuilding Effective TeamsProject leadership SkillsCustomer OrientationInnovative thinkerStructured and organisedWilling to take decisionsOrganisational Agility