SUMMARY: Develops vision, mission and provides strategic direction for product development and quality assurance functions for all American Packaging Corporation divisions. Formulates research and development programs, policies and procedures to enhance APC’s competitive position and profitability.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Directs and coordinates new product development and product/process improvement activities. Evaluates and oversees the development of new ideas with regard to feasibility and potential.
• Manages the Product Development System by providing technical assistance to Sales & Marketing to identify customer needs and manufacturing processes/capabilities in order to bring new products to commercialization. Develops and performs customer technical presentations. Provides ongoing Technical support for existing product lines.
• Establishes priorities for R&D projects and monitors expenditures and progress toward goals.
• Prepares product and Technical Department budgets on a timely basis and provides cost control management.
• Coordinates the development of raw material specifications, manufacturing /operating specifications and design control and review for all divisions. 
• Provides product line profitability support through development of new package applications, improvements in raw materials and manufacturing efficiencies through process improvements.
• Creates a “learning organization” that researches and shares the latest technological advances with the Technical Group as well as the entire organization. 
• Meets with suppliers, customers, and internal contacts to facilitate communication and continuous improvement activities that benefit the manufacturing and enhancement of profitability. 
• Provides daily Technical assistance to Customer Service in areas including but not limited to specification clarification/modification, project status updates and trial coordination.
• Develops and implements training initiatives to enhance the level of technical expertise at all divisions.
• Develops strategic partnerships with Sales, Marketing and Operations that promote new product development, sales growth, statistical process control and continuous improvement. 
• Develops strategies to address quality problems and customer complaints. Directs company resources toward opportunities and problem resolution
• Provides leadership and assistance in complying with existing and anticipated environmental (recyclables, heavy metals, etc.) legislation and FDA requirements.
• Embraces concepts of and actively practice the STOP Safety Program fundamentals to aid American Packaging Corporation’s efforts to achieve a zero accident rate.
• Manages multiple priorities; sorts through large amounts of data, addresses multiple issues and isolates and communicates recommendations/to expedite results. 
• Acts as strategic "change agent,’ that drives the corporate technical initiative. 
• Facilitates specification establishment and material selection for multi-divisional bid packages or new business opportunities.
• Supports sales with capabilities presentations for new business opportunities involving more than one division.
• Interacts and communicates to all levels of the organization, customers and vendors in a way that demonstrates a positive commitment to the Corporation.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Directly supervises Technical Manager, Technical Specialists and Technical Coordinator. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance, rewarding and discipline employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) in a Technical field from a four year college or university; a minimum of five – seven years related experience. Experience must be from a flexible packaging background and candidates must understand and be knowledgeable of our customer base, processes and raw materials.

FOOD SAFETY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Food Safety Training, consisting of the GMP/PPE/Food Safety Policy, HACCP Plan and SQF System is provided to all personnel at the time of hiring. Refresher training is completed annually, based on the anniversary month of the employee’s date of hire. Completion of this training is a condition of employment.

LANGUAGE SKILLS 

Ability to read, analyze and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups and/or Board of Directors. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. 

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 

Ability to comprehend and apply principles of advanced calculus, modern algebra and advanced statistical theory. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory and factor analysis.

REASONING ABILITY 

The ability to apply principals of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with non-verbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, musical notes, etc.) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

OTHER SKILLS/ABILITIES

Candidate must possess/exhibit the following skills/abilities:

• Absenteeism: at work every day on time
• Accuracy: uncompromised
• AS400
• Coaching ability
• Communication Skills: technical information, internal/external customers, all levels of employees
• Conflict Resolution
• Confidentiality
• Deadlines
• Detail: attention to
• Independence
• Innovation: constantly re-develop systems
• Motivate: others
• Multiple projects/priorities/deadlines 
• Negotiation ability
• Organizational skills
• Presentation skills
• Professionalism/professional demeanor
• Project Management
• Safety
• Software: Microsoft Office Suite
• Team: work as a member with all employees

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, and use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and climb or balance. The employee is regularly required to hear.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Any lifting over 50 pounds would require assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. 

Frequent travel by air and/or auto requiring overnight stays.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.]\

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, exposed to fumes, airborne particles and dust. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

American Packaging Corporation is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. American Packaging Corporation will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department at APC-Careers@americanpackaging.com.