Application Development Manager - Flexible Packaging

ESPO Corporation; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

ESPO Corporation is seeking an Application Development Manager for flexible packaging. This remote role supports the Flexibles Division as the main technical liaison between customers and the company, leading development and technical service across assigned accounts.

You’ll work with the Commercial Team to commercialize opportunities, lead pilot and production trials, coordinate cross-functional activities, and travel up to 40% domestically and internationally.

Qualifications

• Strong material science knowledge (OPP, PET, PE films, Nylon, paper, and foil laminations).
• New product development, flexible packaging applications, project management, and customer relationships.
• Extensive experience in key growth areas in food packaging such as condiments, dairy, produce, chilled, liquid packaging, lidding, and portion control packaging are requirements for this position.
• Bachelor of Science, preferably in Engineering, Food Science, Packaging, or Plastics related field
• 5-10 years of development of packaging for condiments, produce, dairy, chilled, and liquid applications.

Responsibilities

• Identify and commercialize flexible packaging opportunities with the Commercial Team.
• Lead technical activities to expand sales, develop new packaging structures, drive cost savings.
• Build and maintain strong technical customer relations.
• Translate customer requirements to Client specifications and develop manufacturing instructions.
• Define project success criteria and manage fast-paced projects.
• Develop pilot, production, and filling/packing trials; publish trial reports.
• Coordinate activities using internal and external resources.
• Provide routine technical service activity.
• Prepare presentations, project plans, updates, and reports.
• Travel domestically and internationally to plants, suppliers, customers, conferences, and partnerships.
• Maintain complete work records including IP protection documentation.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering/Packaging/Plastics

Job description

Application Development Manager - Flexible Packaging

Location: This is a REMOTE position. West Coast, Texas, Northeast, Chicago, Midwest area. Easy access to a major airport is required.

Job Type: Direct Hire/Permanent position

Salary: $140k - $170k

Travel: Up to 40% of the time

Summary Description

The Application Development Manager for the Flexibles Division is the main technical contact between the customer and Client. This position is responsible for all development and technical service activities at assigned accounts/markets. The packaging technology team is constantly iterating, solving problems, and working together to develop packaging solutions that are cost-effective, product-safety compliant, more sustainable, and satisfy customers' needs.

What You'll Be Doing

• Working closely with the Commercial Team to identify and successfully commercialize flexible packaging opportunities at targeted accounts.
• Leading technical activities to expand sales of existing structures, develop new flexible packaging structures, drive cost savings, and improve product performance.
• Building and maintaining strong technical customer relations.
• Translating customer requirements to Client specifications and developing manufacturing instructions.
• Ensuring portfolio is aligned with the business priorities and the needs of the customer.
• Defining project success criteria, draw conclusions based on data, make technical recommendations, and manage projects. Projects are often fast paced with high visibility.
• Developing and leading pilot, production, and filling/packing trials. Publishing trial reports for internal and/or external distribution.
• Coordinating activities to accomplish tasks using available internal and external resources.
• Providing routine technical service activity.
• Preparing written and verbal presentations, project plans, updates, and periodic reports for internal and external use.
• Traveling domestically and internationally to manufacturing plants, suppliers, customers, conferences, and other innovation partners.
• Maintaining complete and accurate work records, including documentation for intellectual property protection.

We'd love to hear from you if:

• Strong material science knowledge (OPP, PET, PE films, Nylon, paper, and foil laminations)
• New product development, flexible packaging applications, project management, and customer relationships.
• Extensive experience in key growth areas in food packaging such as condiments, dairy, produce, chilled, liquid packaging, lidding, and portion control packaging are requirements for this position.
• Bachelor of Science, preferably in Engineering, Food Science, Packaging, or Plastics related field
• 5-10 years of development of packaging for condiments, produce, dairy, chilled, and liquid applications.

ESPO Corporation

www.espocorp.com

630-789-2525

ESPO has a comprehensive benefit package which includes PTO, Group Health and Dental Insurance, 401k. etc after you have satisfied the necessary waiting periods.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value the benefits of diversity in our workforce.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, or any other attribute or protected characteristic by law.