Technical Lead / Product Development Lead (Packaging - Film)

D R Newitt & Associates; Scunthorpe; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global packaging manufacturer is seeking a Product Development Lead to direct the product development and technical team. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in blown film manufacturing and expertise in material science and project management. Responsibilities include leading polymer resin assessments, optimizing product profitability, and managing R&D projects. This hybrid position is based in Scunthorpe, UK and involves collaboration with various departments to drive film innovation. Extensive knowledge of polymers and experience with Microsoft Office are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in blown film manufacturing.
• Extensive experience in material science and product development.
• Strong knowledge of polymers and lamination practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead identification and assessment of new polymer resins.
• Analyze and enhance product portfolio profitability.
• Manage R&D and process improvement projects.

Skills

Blown film manufacturing

Material science

Project management

Product commercialization

Communication skills

Education

Degree in chemical engineering, polymer science or polymer engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Visio

Teams

Outlook

Job description

Hybrid

A Global Packaging Manufacturer (Film experience essential) is currently recruiting for a Product Development Lead / Product Development Manager / Technical Manager to lead and direct the product development and technical team in developing and executing product development strategies, programs and material science identification / implementation action plans to deliver sustainable and profitable growth.

This role will require extensive experience in blown film manufacturing, with significant experience in a material science, product development and with a wide range of polymers, lamination practices, project management and product commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Lead identification and assessment of new polymer resins, additive packages, and extrusion technologies (e.g., multilayer die designs, advanced cooling systems, auto-gauging, and surface treatment methods).
• Ensure new product developments are compatible with existing blown film extrusion capabilities, including layer configuration, resin throughput, gauge control, and winding systems; when gaps exist, lead the justification and specification of new equipment or process upgrades to support product strategy.
• Analyze and enhance product portfolio profitability through film structure optimization (layer simplification, downgauging), resin substitution, process efficiency improvements, such as reduced scrap rates, higher output, and product rationalization.
• Support marketing and commercial teams by translating customer and market needs into film performance specifications including puncture resistance, seal strength, optics, COF; lead product development justification and launch processes through collaboration with marketing, operations, supply chain, and leadership.
• Partner with Sales, Manufacturing, Customers, and Material Sourcing to drive film innovation and cost reduction — such as resin requalification, recycled content integration, downgauging initiatives, and continuous improvement.
• Lead technical investigations and manage change control for material, process, and formulation modifications including resin supplier changes, additive reformulation, cooling or nip system adjustments; document and publish validation results, including mechanical, and optical performance testing.
• Generate and communicate regular technical activity reports, summarizing project status, trial outcomes, and recommendations for process optimization or product improvement.
• Lead, develop, and manage the R&D process, setting priorities for film trials, process optimization, and new product introduction.
• Manage R&D and process improvement projects to ensure optimal use of laboratory and production line resources; maintain focus on delivering commercially viable, scalable film solutions.
• Maintain ongoing technical engagement with customers to support co-development projects, resin trials, and performance validation, enhancing customer satisfaction, sales growth, and long-term partnerships.

Qualifications

You will be a Product Development Lead / Product Development Manager and degree qualified, preferably in chemical engineering, polymer science or polymer engineering.

Subject. You will ideally 5+ years' experience in blown film manufacturing, with significant experience in a material science, product development and people management. This role will require a wide range of polymers, lamination practices, project management and product commercialization.

This role will require a solid working knowledge of development processes and related manufacturing and experience using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point), Visio, Teams, and Outlook.

CV applications