Director Paper & Pulp Center Innovation

CFI Director – Pulp & Paper

Leads Sabert’s pulp and paper technical innovation agenda, developing new platforms and products, advancing barrier/coating technologies, and improving performance, sustainability, and manufacturability of molded fiber and paper solutions. The role owns the Pulp & Paper technical portfolio from concept to commercialization through Sabert’s stage-gate governance, partnering cross‑functionally to deliver growth and margin expansion while meeting food contact, performance, and environmental standards.

• Define and execute Sabert’s pulp and paper innovation strategy aligned with growth and sustainability goals.
• Lead development of new molded fiber and paperboard solutions, including high‑heat, sealable, and barrier‑enhanced technologies.
• Drive end‑to‑end product development from concept through pilot and full‑scale commercialization using stage‑gate processes.
• Advance barrier coatings, laminations, and material technologies to improve performance and differentiation.
• Oversee R&D labs, pilot trials, and testing standards (TAPPI, ASTM, food‑contact compliance).
• Partner cross‑functionally with Operations, Commercial, Marketing, and Procurement to bring innovations to market.
• Support manufacturing scale‑up and define critical process parameters for successful production.
• Lead sustainability initiatives including fiber sourcing (FSC/PEFC), recyclability, composability, and lifecycle assessments.
• Build and develop a high‑performing technical team while managing budgets, capital projects, and innovation pipelines.

• BS or equivalent degree in Paper Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 10‑15+ years in pulp/paper or molded fiber packaging R&D with proven commercialization record.
• Expertise in forming processes, barrier coatings/laminations, and converting.
• Strong command of material testing (TAPPI/ASTM), food‑contact compliance, and reliability engineering.
• Demonstrated leadership in stage‑gate, portfolio management, and cross‑functional program delivery.
• Experience with sustainability frameworks (FSC/PEFC, recyclability/composability claims, LCA).
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Experience in sustainable packaging or related industries.
• Background in supply chain, operations, or manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with Lean or continuous improvement methodologies.

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and influencing abilities across all organizational levels.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Passion for sustainability and innovation in packaging solutions.

Sabert Corporation is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law or regulation.