Project Manager, Post-Consumer Resin; PCR Technology & Commercialization

Position: Project Manager, Post-Consumer Resin (PCR) Technology & Commercialization
Job Title
Project Manager, Post-Consumer Resin (PCR) Technology & Commercialization

Key Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of Greif’s PCR processing strategy across plastics manufacturing operations.

Establish and maintain PCR material qualification processes.

Develop product roadmaps to increase PCR utilization while maintaining product performance, manufacturability, and cost competitiveness.

Support capital investment projects involving PCR processing and related recycling technologies.

Partner with Operations, Quality, Commercial, and Engineering teams to optimize manufacturing processes and increase PCR content adoption across Greif’s product portfolio.

Develop technical standards, process controls, and best practices that enable consistent PCR implementation across facilities.

Lead manufacturing trials, validation programs, and scale-up activities for new PCR materials, technologies, and applications.

Analyze manufacturing and material performance data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement, increased recycled content utilization, and enhanced process efficiency.

Polymer Engineering & Material Qualification

Serve as a subject matter expert on polymer materials, processing technologies, and PCR applications.

Evaluate PCR feed stocks and recycled resin streams for consistency, contamination risk, processability, and end-use performance.

Develop and maintain material specifications, testing protocols, and acceptance criteria for PCR materials.

Support formulation development, blending strategies, and additive selection to improve PCR performance and manufacturing reliability.

Collaborate with Quality and Operations teams to investigate and resolve material-related production and product performance issues.

External PCR Supply & Strategic Partner Development

Evaluate, qualify, and develop external PCR suppliers, recyclers, compounders, and strategic partners to support Greif’s global PCR objectives.

Conduct technical due diligence of prospective partners, including assessments of processing capabilities, quality systems, feedstock control, contamination management, and production scalability.

Establish supplier qualification protocols, material specifications, and performance metrics to ensure consistent PCR quality and supply reliability.

Collaborate with suppliers and partners to improve resin quality, contamination control, and material consistency.

Support commercial and procurement teams in identifying and developing strategic PCR sourcing and partnership opportunities.

Provide technical leadership during partnership discussions, supplier negotiations, and customer engagements involving PCR materials and sustainability initiatives.

Commercial & Sustainability Support

Collaborate closely with Commercial teams to evaluate and develop PCR-related business opportunities.

Provide technical expertise during customer discussions and solution development activities involving recycled content and sustainability objectives.

Translate complex polymer science and processing concepts into customer-focused value propositions and technical solutions.

Regulatory Compliance & Continuous Improvement

Ensure PCR materials and processes comply with applicable regulatory requirements, customer specifications, and internal quality standards.

Support Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), recycled content verification, and sustainability reporting initiatives.

Monitor industry trends, emerging recycling technologies, regulatory developments, and market dynamics affecting recycled plastics and circular packaging.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on increasing PCR utilization, improving material performance, and enhancing operational efficiency.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

Experience in plastics manufacturing, polymer processing, recycling, packaging, or related industries.

Strong understanding of polymer materials, recycled resin technologies, and plastics manufacturing processes.

Knowledge and Skills

Demonstrated project management experience involving capital projects, process development, manufacturing optimization, or technical implementation initiatives.

Ability to communicate effectively with technical, operational, commercial, and executive stakeholders.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Experience with PCR processing, plastics recycling, resin compounding, or circular economy initiatives.

Knowledge of blow molding, extrusion, industrial packaging, IBC manufacturing, or reconditioning operations.

Experience working with external manufacturing partners, recyclers, compounders, or resin suppliers.

Familiarity with sustainability reporting, recycled content certification, and regulatory requirements related to recycled plastics.

Impact
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