SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:

The role of this position exists to lead Product Development projects for Billerud NA Paper through each step of the StageGate process. This includes but is not limited to idea generation; feasibility studies in laboratory, pilot, or production environment; product and equipment benchmarking and competitive analysis; trial planning, management, and execution throughout the StageGate process; and support of introduction of new products as they reach the customer.
The position is necessary to facilitate the development of new products for existing and new markets and to support full and profitable asset utilization of Billerud NA’s machines. The position relies on the candidate’s analytical skills, technical and manufacturing product knowledge, problem solving capabilities, and ability to work as part of a team to deliver results.
The Product Development Project Lead is responsible for managing and executing product development initiatives for Billerud NA Paper, guiding projects through all phases of the StageGate process. This role plays a critical part in driving innovation and ensuring the successful introduction of new products to market.
The incumbent will lead the generation and evaluation of new product ideas, conduct feasibility studies in laboratory, pilot, or production environments, and perform benchmarking and competitive analysis of products and equipment. They will also plan, manage, and execute product trials, and support the successful launch of new products to customers. This position is essential for developing innovative products for both existing and emerging markets. It also supports the full and profitable utilization of Billerud NA’s manufacturing assets. The role requires strong analytical skills, technical and manufacturing knowledge, effective problem-solving abilities, and a collaborative mindset to deliver impactful results.

QUALIFICATIONS

Key Accountabilities:

• Create, develop, and commercialize products in alignment with strategic goals, in collaboration with marketing, sales, customers, and brand owners.
• Manage Product Development projects by working closely with mills, suppliers, and customers to effective product design solutions for new and existing applications.
• Communicate progress on development activities to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, brand managers, and customer technical service (CTS) teams to resolve chronic product issues as well as acute product needs.
• Deliver product line training for sales directors, account representatives, customer service teams, customers, and brand owners
• Work with Brand Owners to provide technical sales support during customer evaluations and qualification of new products and materials.
• Identify customer technical and product needs, communicate these to manufacturing, sales, brand management and product development leadership, and assist customers during product trials and commercialization.
• Develop an in-depth understanding of assigned business segments, identifying trends, opportunities, and customer needs to lead segment strategy development.
• Lead Customer Innovation sessions and brand owner projects. Communicate market drivers into our business intelligence and strategic planning functions.
• Possess or obtain the technical skills needed to understand end-use applications and proactively collaborate with customers to develop new uses for paper.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

• Prefer BA/BS degree in Packaging Engineering, Paper Engineering/Science, Graphic Arts, Chemistry or equivalent experience including post-secondary education in sciences, technology, engineering, graphic arts, and management.
• Demonstrated professional experience in paper and/or packaging.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a strong record of relationship building.
• The position could require an estimated 25% - 50% overnight travel depending on location.

MINIMUM REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Extensive product development and collaborative customer exposure in Packaging
• Network of contacts available to support a wide array of technical and manufacturing related challenges
• Excellent communication skill
• Must be competent with email, Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel and Word
• Knowledge of processes involved in servicing and supporting customer sales
• Ability to influence and effect change across multiple parts of the organization
• Work beyond normal work schedule as necessary to fulfill position responsibilities

What if you could go to work and contribute to a sustainable future? Billerud is a leading sustainable packaging materials and paper company. We are passionate paper makers committed to providing the best solutions to our customers. It is our goal to deliver a quality product, on time. We offer competitive compensation, full benefits, opportunities for growth and advancement, and an understanding that our employees make us successful.
If you are passionate about what you do and driven to do it well, there is a place for you at Billerud!