Product Development Manager

Magnera Corporation; Abercwmboi; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Magnera Corporation seeks a Product Development Engineer for their Forestry segment in Aberdare. The role involves leading product innovations and collaborating with various departments to meet market needs while ensuring compliance and cost-effectiveness. Candidates should have a science degree, strong analytical skills, and significant experience in product development.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience, experience in extrusion preferred.
• Proficient in English (verbal and written).
• High computer literacy required.

Responsibilities

• Leading product innovation and development for the Forestry segment.
• Managing new product trials post-BOCA approval.
• Supporting product launches and relationship management with stakeholders.

Skills

Creativity

Independence

Relationship building and maintenance

Analytical skills

Strategic and conceptual thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a science field, preferably polymer chemistry

Job description

Overview

Magnera's purpose is to better the world with new possibilities made real. For more than 160 years, the originating companies have delivered material solutions to help their partners thrive. Despite economic upheavals, pandemics, and changing end-user needs, they have consistently solved problems and exceeded expectations. By uniting these legacy companies, Magnera offers a broad portfolio of products, providing customers with more materials and choices. With a legacy of resilience, Magnera aims to build enduring personal partnerships in a changing world.

Responsibilities

The Product Development Engineer - Forestry is responsible for all product innovations, developments, and cost reduction activities related to the segment and site, ensuring compliance with customer requirements and maintaining market leadership.

This role leads product innovation and development for the Forestry segment at the Aberdare production facility. It supports sales growth by solving customer issues, maintaining productivity, and ensuring cost competitiveness. Collaboration with the commercial team and other functions such as operations, quality, and procurement is essential.

1. Leading and executing new or improved product development based on research, technology, and customer needs, from concept to commercialization. Assess feasibility and lead Business Opportunity Case Assessments (BOCAs).
2. Planning, managing, executing, and reporting on new product trials post-BOCA approval, working closely with operations, procurement, process engineering, quality, and production.
3. Evaluating inquiries and new specifications through prototypes, tests, and validation.
4. Assessing safety risks associated with new developments, managing risks in cooperation with the EHS manager, and ensuring safe product transfer to operations.
5. Supporting the commercial team to ensure successful product launches.
6. Providing support for R&D and sales presentations, strategy development, patent protection, administration, and external collaborations.
7. Recommending product changes based on market surveys and customer feedback.
8. Developing product specifications in collaboration with operations and quality teams.
9. Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, universities, and labs.
10. Advising on process and cost optimization activities.
11. Conducting benchmarking studies to identify differentiation opportunities.
12. Researching and implementing new technologies and raw materials for innovation.
13. Managing the introduction and qualification of raw materials, including regulatory activities for safety approval.
14. Supporting the commercial team in building technical relationships with key accounts to increase market share.

This is a site-based role at Aberdare (CF44 6DA) with some travel. No agencies, please. The candidate must provide proof of right to work in the UK.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a science field, preferably polymer chemistry.

Certifications: None required.

Work Experience: 5+ years of professional experience, experience in extrusion, and proven capability to lead major development projects (preferred but not essential).

Languages: Proficient in English (verbal and written). High computer literacy required.

Competencies

• Creativity
• Independence
• Relationship building and maintenance
• Analytical skills
• Strategic and conceptual thinking