Director Paper & Pulp Center Innovation

Position: Director Paper & Pulp Center for Innovation
Description The CFI Director – Pulp & Paper is a hybrid opportunity that 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.

Job Responsibilities:

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

Qualifications:

Required:

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       Preferred  Experience in sustainable packaging or related industries. Background in supply chain, operations, or manufacturing processes. Familiarity with Lean or continuous improvement methodologies  Skills & Competencies   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 solution

Requirements

What makes Sabert a great place to work:

Pay, benefits and more.

Sabert is eager to attract the best, so we offer competitive compensation and a generous benefits package, including full health insurance (medical, dental and vision), 401(k), life insurance, disability and more. To learn more about our benefits .Learn More About Sabert:

We are a leading global manufacturer of innovative food packaging products and solutions. The company was founded in 1983 grounded in the purpose of reinventing food packaging to nourish and protect our world. Today we design, manufacture, and distribute a wide spectrum of packaging solutions for food distributors, restaurants & caterers, grocery stores, national food chains and consumer entertaining.

Want more insight on what it’s like to work for Sabert?  to hear directly from our employees and learn more about our Company’s mission.

We’re committed to providing reasonable accommodation for applicants with special needs or…