Product Innovation Engineer

Magnera's purpose is to better the world with new possibilities made real. For more than 160 years, the originating companies have delivered the material solutions their partners need to thrive. Through economic upheaval, global pandemics and changing end-user needs, they have consistently found ways to solve problems and exceed expectations. By bringing together these legacy companies, the distinct scale and comprehensive portfolio of products will bring customers more materials and choices. With a combined legacy of resilience, Magnera will build personal partnerships that withstand an ever-changing world.

In order to comply with customer requirements and to maintain the leading position in the market the Product Innovation Engineer is responsible for all product innovations and developments related to the site.

Product Innovation Engineer function is to lead the product innovations and developments for all segments related to Cuijk production capability. The work will support the sales growth of the enterprise by solving customer issues and maintaining productivity and cost competitiveness in the marketplace. Working within the Global innovation team on agreed priorities that have clear business rationale and value. All developments will require a close cooperation with all functions, especially Sales, PLM, operations, quality and procurement.

The candidate must have nonwovens/textile/chemistry/ process engineering background and be able to develop new technologies and products aligned with customer needs and company objectives.

This position is part of the Global Innovation team focusing on product development work in Cuijk plant with implications in global projects and direct interaction with customers.

• Responsible for leading and executing development of new products based on research, new technologies and customer needs from concept to commercialization. Calculates the technical and commercial feasibility of new products and leads BOCAs (Business Opportunity Case Assessments) preparation and approval, in close cooperation with Operations, Key Account Managers and PLM teams. (Essential)
• Take a lead role in project planning, development and documentation.
• Manages trials related to approved BOCAs being responsible for trials preparation (including ordering raw materials and planning of trials – in cooperation with Operations); execution (in close cooperation with Process Engineers, Quality Departments and Production) and reporting.
• Evaluates enquiries and new specifications through prototypes, test and validation. (Essential)
• Responsible for assessing safety risks (created by new developments) from BOCA preparation and to manage those in close cooperation with EHS Departments, so the trials are made in safe conditions for all the workers, and new products are transferred to Operations also taken into account safety.
• Supports the sales teams and PLM to ensure successful product launch. (Essential)
• Provides information and support regarding: (Essential)
  • Innovation and sales presentations.
  • Development of Innovation strategy and plans.
  • Patent protection.
  • Innovation administration and reporting.
• Suggests product changes based on customer needs and market surveys. (Essential)
• Provides information and support regarding: (EssentialShares knowledge and expertise within the organization, where required. (Essential)
• Develops, in close cooperation with Operations the specifications of new products (with Quality Department for specs alignment and with process engineers for process alignment).
• Maintains and develops strong relationships with customers, suppliers, universities, external laboratories and other stakeholders.
• Proactively work as advisor and support role for process and cost optimization activities led by Operations.
• Plans and conduct specific lab & literature studies on competitor products to develop knowledge, identify opportunities for product development and improvement.
• Pro-actively searches, changes and implements new technologies or combinations of existing technologies for product innovation and development.
• Searches for new raw materials and combines these with existing technologies for product innovation and development.
• Manages the introduction and qualification of new raw materials including regulatory activities to get product safety approval, definition of specifications in close cooperation with Operations (changes A to A – same kind of materials from different suppliers – are not considered new raw materials).
• Will be required at times to support sales in building technical relationships at designated key accounts and take part in maintaining cooperation and working with the customer to find opportunities to increase share of wallet (SOW).
• Works in innovation activities at designated fields –which may include raw materials, technology, process, products and finished products– to propose, introduce and take innovations through a stage gate process, from idea conception to commercial launch.
• Follow safety, environmental, productivity and quality procedures and comply with all departments and ISO standards.
• Travel to customer/supplier/outside lab/research facilities to run trials/troubleshoot problems and/or participate in conferences and tradeshows.
• Represent company in ethical, moral, and professional manner at all times

• Bachelor’s degree (Chemistry/Textiles and/or Plastics)

• 5+ years of professional experience

• Preferably experience in nonwoven, textile, films and/or plastic packaging
• Demonstrated capability to conceive, plan and execute major development projects.

• English (both verbal and written) and local language/s (of the site/s where PD Engineer is based in)