Senior Manager of Plastics Innovation (Engineering)

Arena Family of Companies; Coleman (MI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical options

401(k) match

Company HSA contribution

Retirement support

PTO

Confidential EAP resources

Job summary

Arena Family of Companies is seeking a Senior Manager for Plastics Innovation in Coleman, Michigan. In this role, you will lead efforts in evaluating and implementing new resin materials for production in both thermoforming and injection molding environments. A strong background in plastics manufacturing, especially with alternative and sustainable materials, is essential. You will manage trials, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and influence the future of materials strategy within a global leader in packaging. Competitive compensation of $140K to $160K plus bonus is offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in plastics manufacturing.
• Strong hands-on experience with both thermoforming and injection molding.
• Direct ownership of plastics innovation or resin application work.

Responsibilities

• Lead plastics innovation efforts tied to resin applications.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new materials.
• Direct trial activities and translate innovation into practical implementation.
• Support commercialization to move concepts into production.

Skills

Plastics manufacturing experience

Thermoforming expertise

Injection molding knowledge

Material development

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Compensation: $140K to $160K base + 15% target bonus

Travel: Approximately 25% domestic travel

Overview

I’m partnered with a global packaging and manufacturing organization on a confidential search for a Senior Manager, Plastics Innovation in Coleman, Michigan.

This is a high-impact leadership role for a plastics innovation professional who has successfully brought new and unconventional resin materials into real production across both thermoforming and injection molding environments.

This is not a tooling-first, mold design, or product design role.

The team needs a materials and process innovation leader who can evaluate a new resin or material opportunity and answer the real manufacturing questions:

Can it run on existing equipment?

What process changes are needed?

What machine or tooling constraints matter?

What needs to happen to make it manufacturable at scale?

What You’ll Do

• Lead plastics innovation efforts tied to traditional and alternative resins across thermoforming and injection molding
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new materials for existing and new product applications, including biodegradable, compostable, and PCR resins
• Lead the material qualification process and partner cross-functionally with operations, sales, supply chain, product, and technical teams
• Direct trial activity through internal and external resources and help translate innovation into practical plant-side implementation
• Oversee lab and trial resources, data analysis, testing strategy, and root‑cause work tied to product and material performance
• Support commercialization by helping move material concepts into scalable production
• Manage project resources, timelines, priorities, and technical problem solving across the plastics innovation function
• Lead and develop the team while keeping innovation efforts aligned with broader business strategy

What We’re Looking For

• 10+ years in plastics manufacturing
• Strong hands‑on experience with both thermoforming and injection molding
• Direct ownership of plastics innovation, material development, or resin application work
• Proven experience with alternative or non‑traditional resins, especially biodegradable, compostable, and PCR or recycled‑content materials
• Track record of making new materials work on existing machine assets while navigating tooling and process limitations
• Strong commercialization mindset with the ability to move innovation beyond concept stage and into production
• Leadership experience managing teams and influencing cross‑functional stakeholders
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or a related field preferred

What This Role Is Not

• Tooling engineers
• Packaging designers without plant‑side innovation ownership
• R&D professionals without commercialization or manufacturing implementation experience
• Plastics professionals with experience in only one process and not both thermoforming and injection molding

What’s In It For You

• Opportunity to lead practical, plant‑side innovation, not just concept work
• Visible leadership role with direct influence on next‑generation material strategy
• Chance to bring sustainable packaging solutions to market in a real manufacturing environment
• Join a global leader in packaging with the scale, stability, and innovation investment to support long‑term career growth
• Strong salaried benefits package including medical options, 401(k) match, company HSA contribution, retirement support, PTO, and confidential EAP resources
• Competitive compensation package with base salary from $140K to $160K plus 15% target bonus

This is an outstanding opportunity for someone who knows how to make unconventional resins work in real production and wants to have a meaningful voice in where plastics innovation goes next.