Senior Manager, Closure & Injection Technologies

Job Description: Senior Manager, Closure & Injection Technologies

Relocation Offered: No

The Senior Manager for Plastic Packaging Technologies at the Packaging Engineering and Technology Center (PETC) will support the development and implementation of plastic solutions for packaging across the organization. The Sr. Manager will oversee the global technology and development pipeline for plastic packaging processes including closures, bottle finishes, preforms, specialty blow molding, etc.; maintaining relationships with key global suppliers, and providing technical support to various Operating Units. This role will also involve monitoring competitive activities and tracking the implementation of plastic processing technologies for packaging globally.

• Technology and Development Pipeline: Build and own the global technology and development pipeline for Plastic Packaging Technologies, especially with closures, bottle finishes, preforms and especially blow molding processes
• Expert Network: Assist with technology cross-fertilization globally by building and maintaining a global network of plastic processing subject matter experts across the Technical Innovation and Supply Chain organization.
• Global Specifications: Help claim and refresh global closures and preform specifications in alignment with operating units. Build and maintain the official Global Book of Record for closures and preforms.
• Supplier Relationships: Build and maintain strategic technical relationships with key global suppliers and OEMs to influence the direction of their innovation and technology development for maximum value to The Coca-Cola System.
• Project Management: Lead and oversee projects from concept through commercialization, ensuring all project deliverables meet or exceed expectations.
• Business Support: Support the business, including the Global Development and Innovation organization (GDI), Technical Operations, and bottlers, with technical assistance where subject matter expertise is needed. Additionally, contribute to their innovation pipeline by identifying and integrating innovative technologies and packaging solutions that drive growth and sustainability.
• Procurement Alignment: Partner with global and local procurement teams to support and align with the Company's procurement strategy.
• Intellectual Property: provide support in the generation and management of intellectual property (IP) pertinent to plastic packaging processes. Continuously monitor the global IP landscape to proactively identify and address emerging opportunities and potential threats in the plastic packaging sector.
• Competitive Activity Tracking: Track global competitive activity for closures, bottle finishes, preforms, and specialty blow molding technologies to identify and act on opportunities and threats.
• Technology Implementation Tracking: Track the global implementation status of different plastic packaging technologies across the Company's network and capture learnings on successes and opportunities for future improvement.
• Innovation and Design: Drive innovation in plastic packaging technologies to enhance product aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. Collaborate with design teams to create packaging that enhances brand value and consumer experience.
• Cost Optimization: Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or performance. Optimize packaging designs and processes to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Lead efforts to make sure all developments and implementations in this space are sustainable and in alignment with internal and external stakeholders to achieve the company's sustainability targets.
• Reporting and Analytics: Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics related to plastic packaging technologies. Provide regular updates and reports to senior management

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, Material Science, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of R&D, production or quality experience in plastic packaging technologies - injection and blow molding.
• Strong knowledge of plastic packaging industry trends, innovations, and best practices.
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and work collaboratively with various stakeholders.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in technology development, supplier relationship management, and intellectual property monitoring.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.