Manager - Packaging Development & I-Center Services

Manager - Packaging Development & I-Center Services

Klöckner Pentaplast is a globally recognized leader in the packaging and specialty film industry, renowned for its commitment to sustainability and innovation. The company incorporates sustainability into everything it does by creating innovative products that enhance product protection, shelf life, and contribute to reducing the overall carbon footprint. Klöckner Pentaplast is currently looking for a Manager Packaging Development & i-Center Services at our i-Center based in Charlottesville, VA.

This role involves managing conversion activities such as extrusion, coating, and thermoforming.

Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Interact with internal and external stakeholders to support quotation and drive business for i-center services.
• Understand customer requirements and translate them into project proposals with deliverables, timelines, and costs.
• Write detailed and timely project reports and share them with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage transactions such as purchase orders and invoices for customers paying for i-Center services.
• Manage suppliers and vendors for the i-center.
• Support and manage all activities targeted for direct and indirect revenue for i-center.
• Support customer visits to the i-center and be the key contact for coordinating the same with sales and product line management functions.
• Manage conversion technology such as extrusion, coating, thermoforming, and tool machining – be involved in planning for the same.
• Develop 3D modeling for Pharma, Medical Device, and Consumer Packaging Thermoformable Blisters.
• Design tool sets and solid models for various thermoformed blisters formats.
• Set up, run, and maintain form, fill, and seal machines such as flat and rotary sealing machines.
• Perform pack outs and analyze blister filled and unfilled packages as per customer requirements.
• Interact with internal and external customers to support quotation and business solicitation for i-center services.
• Produce technical drawings of tool components.
• Support innovation projects (US and Europe) with various forming and sealing trials.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering/Tool Engineering/Design Engineering and 6-8 years of relevant industry experience.
• Working knowledge of Solid Works/Pro E/T Sim/Cad Cam and such tool design and engineering software.
• Working knowledge of various polymer rheology simulation software such as Moldflow, etc.
• Basic knowledge of polymers, polymer rheology, and structure property relationship with special focus on PET/PP/PE.
• Knowledge or willingness to learn conversion technologies such as thermoforming & coating.
• Understanding of product development process transitioning from concept, lab, pilot to commercial scale.

Functional/Technical

Skills:

• Hands-on experience using various design and simulation software.
• Hands-on experience interpreting technical drawings and specifications.
• Hands-on experience using various instruments such as tensile tester, impact tester, rapid prototyping.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office – Ability to Enter and Interpret Data in Excel and Write Project Reports in Word.
• Ability to lead, coach & mentor team members.
• Ability to communicate clearly and timely with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Background in Pharma/Medical Device Packaging a plus.
• Understanding of regulatory norms for pharma and medical devices a plus.

Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to independently engage with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to efficiently handle multiple projects at the same time.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and solution-oriented.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, hands-on environment.
• Strategic thinking and a good understanding of business and customer needs.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for customer support or training.