Project Manager, Post-Consumer Resin (PCR) Technology & Commercialization

Greif, Inc.; Bottanuco; On-site; EUR 79,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

Greif, Inc. seeks a Project Manager for PCR Technology & Commercialization to drive development, qualification, and commercialization of sustainable PCR solutions within Plastics and IBC businesses.

You will lead cross‑functional teams across Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Sustainability to advance PCR adoption while ensuring product performance and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Experience in plastics manufacturing, polymer processing, recycling, packaging, or related industries.
• Strong understanding of polymer materials, recycled resin technologies, and plastics manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of PCR processing strategy across plastics manufacturing operations.
• Establish PCR material qualification processes and roadmaps for increased PCR utilization.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Commercial, and Engineering to optimize processes and scale PCR materials.
• Evaluate PCR feedstocks, develop material specs, testing protocols, and acceptance criteria.
• Develop external PCR supplier qualifications and manage partnerships for sourcing and quality.

Skills

PCR processing

Polymer materials

Project management

Supplier development

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Polymer Engineering

Chemical/Materials science background

Job description

Greif is a global leader in performance packaging located in 40 countries. The company delivers trusted, innovative, and tailored solutions that support some of the world's most in demand and fastest-growing industries. With a commitment to legendary customer service, operational excellence, and global sustainability, Greif packages life's essentials - and creates lasting value for its colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders. Learn more about the company's Customized Polymer, Sustainable Fiber, Durable Metal, and Integrated Solutions at www.greif.com and follow Greif on Instagram and LinkedIn.

OUR VISION

To Be the Advantage That Helps Our Customers Win.

OUR PURPOSE

Creating packaging solutions for life’s essentials.

Job Requisition #: 034718

Project Manager, Post-Consumer Resin (PCR) Technology & Commercialization (Open) Job Description

The Project Manager, PCR Technology & Commercialization serves as a key technical leader supporting Greif’s Post-Consumer Resin (PCR) strategy and circular economy initiatives. This role combines polymer engineering expertise, project management, and commercial collaboration to drive the development, qualification, and commercialization of sustainable polymer solutions across Greif’s Plastics and IBC businesses. Working at the intersection of Engineering, Operations, Quality, Procurement, Sustainability, and Commercial teams, this position is responsible for advancing PCR adoption through both internal capability development and external supplier engagement. The role will lead technical evaluations, process development initiatives, material qualifications, supplier assessments, and strategic projects that enable the successful integration of PCR while maintaining product performance, quality, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. This position plays a critical role in building Greif’s long-term PCR capabilities by establishing scalable processes, supporting strategic investments, developing supplier relationships, and enabling sustainable growth through technically rigorous and commercially viable PCR solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of Greif’s PCR processing strategy across plastics manufacturing operations. Establish and maintain PCR material qualification processes. Develop product roadmaps to increase PCR utilization while maintaining product performance, manufacturability, and cost competitiveness. Support capital investment projects involving PCR processing and related recycling technologies.
• Partner with Operations, Quality, Commercial, and Engineering teams to optimize manufacturing processes and increase PCR content adoption across Greif’s product portfolio. Develop technical standards, process controls, and best practices that enable consistent PCR implementation across facilities. Lead manufacturing trials, validation programs, and scale-up activities for new PCR materials, technologies, and applications. Analyze manufacturing and material performance data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement, increased recycled content utilization, and enhanced process efficiency.
• Polymer Engineering & Material Qualification Serve as a subject matter expert on polymer materials, processing technologies, and PCR applications. Evaluate PCR feedstocks and recycled resin streams for consistency, contamination risk, processability, and end‑use performance. Develop and maintain material specifications, testing protocols, and acceptance criteria for PCR materials. Support formulation development, blending strategies, and additive selection to improve PCR performance and manufacturing reliability. Collaborate with Quality and Operations teams to investigate and resolve material‑related production and product performance issues.
• External PCR Supply & Strategic Partner Development Evaluate, qualify, and develop external PCR suppliers, recyclers, compounders, and strategic partners to support Greif’s global PCR objectives. Conduct technical due diligence of prospective partners, including assessments of processing capabilities, quality systems, feedstock control, contamination management, and production scalability. Establish supplier qualification protocols, material specifications, and performance metrics to ensure consistent PCR quality and supply reliability. Collaborate with suppliers and partners to improve resin quality, contamination control, and material consistency. Support commercial and procurement teams in identifying and developing strategic PCR sourcing and partnership opportunities. Provide technical leadership during partnership discussions, supplier negotiations, and customer engagements involving PCR materials and sustainability initiatives.
• Commercial & Sustainability Support Collaborate closely with Commercial teams to evaluate and develop PCR-related business opportunities. Provide technical expertise during customer discussions and solution development activities involving recycled content and sustainability objectives. Translate complex polymer science and processing concepts into customer‑focused value propositions and technical solutions. Regulatory Compliance & Continuous Improvement Ensure PCR materials and processes comply with applicable regulatory requirements, customer specifications, and internal quality standards. Support Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), recycled content verification, and sustainability reporting initiatives. Monitor industry trends, emerging recycling technologies, regulatory developments, and market dynamics affecting recycled plastics and circular packaging. Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on increasing PCR utilization, improving material performance, and enhancing operational efficiency. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Experience in plastics manufacturing, polymer processing, recycling, packaging, or related industries. Strong understanding of polymer materials, recycled resin technologies, and plastics manufacturing processes.

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrated project management experience involving capital projects, process development, manufacturing optimization, or technical implementation initiatives.
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical, operational, commercial, and executive stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Experience with PCR processing, plastics recycling, resin compounding, or circular economy initiatives.
• Knowledge of blow molding, extrusion, industrial packaging, IBC manufacturing, or reconditioning operations.
• Experience working with external manufacturing partners, recyclers, compounders, or resin suppliers.
• Familiarity with sustainability reporting, recycled content certification, and regulatory requirements related to recycled plastics.

Impact

This role is instrumental in advancing Greif’s sustainability and circular economy objectives by developing robust PCR capabilities and enabling increased adoption of recycled materials across the organization. Through the combination of polymer engineering expertise, technical leadership, and cross‑functional collaboration, the Project Manager will help establish Greif as a leader in sustainable plastics and circular packaging solutions while supporting long‑term business growth and environmental stewardship.

At Greif, we believe that our colleagues are the center of our success. Our Total Rewards have a comprehensive focus on well‑being and offer a competitive package that enables you to thrive, be engaged, and reach your full potential.

Compensation Range

The pay range for this position is €78,500.00 - €133,500.00 annually. Typically, a competitive wage for new hires will fall between92,000.00 to110,000.00 annually. Offers for this position may vary based on market data and other factors such as job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. The position may also be eligible for a short‑term incentive.

Benefits Statement

Greif offers a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive core benefits, paid time off, and a range of local benefits for eligible colleagues.

EEO Statement

We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits and opportunity for growth. Greif is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of sex, race, religion, age, national origin, color, disability, veteran status or any other any other legally protected characteristic. For more information read Greif’s Equal Opportunity Policy.

Founded in 1877, Greif is a global leader in performance packaging located in 40 countries. The company delivers trusted, innovative, and tailored solutions that support some of the world’s most demanding and fastest‑growing industries. With a commitment to legendary customer service, operational excellence, and global sustainability, Greif packages life’s essentials – and creates lasting value for its colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders.