Materials Project Manager: Lead Innovation & Supply

Technoform North America; Twinsburg (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company-mâ

Paid time off

Flexible scheduling

Training and advancement opportunities

Job summary

Technoform North America in Twinsburg, OH is seeking a Materials Project Manager to lead development, testing, and qualification of new materials and processes. You will coordinate trials, collaborate with production, engineering, R&D, and suppliers, and drive material optimization for performance and cost efficiency.

The role requires strong analytical and communication skills, experience with materials testing, supplier qualification, and cross-functional teamwork.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in materials development, manufacturing, product development, polymers, extrusion, or related discipline.
• Experience evaluating, testing, qualifying, and implementing new materials and processes.
• Experience coordinating material evaluations, testing programs, production trials, or process improvement initiatives.
• Experience working directly with suppliers on material qualification, technical support, or performance improvement activities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret material performance data and make informed recommendations.
• Knowledge of material properties, processing methods, and manufacturing operations.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across departments and with external partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
• Experience coordinating multiple technical projects and priorities simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Lead material development initiatives, including the evaluation, testing, qualification, and implementation of new materials and processes.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on materials, supporting product development teams with technical recommendations and material-related decision making.
• Coordinate and support laboratory testing, production trials, and process validation activities to evaluate material performance and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, quality, and commercial teams to ensure materials meet performance, quality, processing, and customer requirements.
• Drive material optimization initiatives that improve product performance, processing efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance manufacturing effectiveness.
• Analyze material properties, processing data, supplier information, and market developments to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
• Manage new product development activities by coordinating material selection, production trials, data collection, and commercialization efforts.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers through assessments of technical capabilities, quality systems, reliability, financial stability, and performance.
• Coordinate closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to troubleshoot material-related issues and implement corrective actions.
• Establish and maintain strong supplier relationships while driving accountability, performance improvement, and long-term partnerships.
• Monitor inventory levels, material consumption, and supply requirements to support uninterrupted manufacturing operations.
• Conduct supplier audits, performance reviews, and corrective action activities to maintain quality and supplier compliance.
• Identify and mitigate material and supply chain risks through contingency planning and supplier development activities.
• Develop sourcing strategies and support supplier negotiations to optimize cost, quality, technical performance, and supply reliability.
• Partner with regional and global business teams to leverage material purchasing opportunities and maximize value.
• Lead cross-functional projects by coordinating timelines, priorities, resources, and stakeholder communication.
• Prepare and present technical reports, material recommendations, and project updates to support business decisions.
• Support continuous improvement efforts that enhance material performance, operational effectiveness, and overall business results.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Technoform North America in Twinsburg, OH is seeking a Materials Project Manager to lead development, testing, and qualification of new materials and processes. You will coordinate trials, collaborate with production, engineering, R&D, and suppliers, and drive material optimization for performance and cost efficiency.

The role requires strong analytical and communication skills, experience with materials testing, supplier qualification, and cross-functional teamwork.