Product Development Manager

Located in Old Hickory, TN, the Product Development Manager will be responsible for strengthening and accelerating commercial product development and long-term innovation to grow market share of existing Glatfelter Sontara brand and grow new business inline with the commercial strategies.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Identify new fields of application in adjacent/new market segments with good fit to Glatfelter’s technology portfolio
• Evaluate business opportunities by combining Glatfelter materials with other nonwoven materials creating products for new market segments
• Evaluate competitor products in all aspects of technical and commercial position and develop a differentiation strategy
• Develops the value propositions for nonwoven and Sontara products
• Collaborate with account managers globally and market segment team to ensure specifications result in new business and eliminate all barriers to the realization of the new business
• Develop downstream innovation relationship with key customers and key suppliers working on step change opportunities
• Stay abreast of latest external developments and technologies of interest to Glatfelter
• Identify and demonstrate proof of concept for new products & applications providing a substantial business opportunity
• Technically support Intellectual Property development supporting business strategy
• Willingness to periodically work weekends or be on-call for global interactions in multiple time zones or to support accelerated timelines.
• Travel to customer/supplier/outside lab/research facilities to run trials/troubleshoot problems and/or participate in conferences and tradeshows

Experience/Education:

• MS/PhD in Textile (nonwovens), Pulp & Paper, Fiber Science or related, Polymer, Material Science or Chemical Engineering
• 6-10 years industrial experience with an in-depth knowledge of applications and market trends associated with the nonwoven and fiber industry and markets
• Expertise in polymeric materials, cellulosic materials, prototyping tools, analytical tools and developing new test methods.
• Demonstrated experience with project management skills leading multi-functional teams is required
• Must demonstrate strong strategic thinking and analytical capability and the ability to work in a complex and diversified environment.
• Technical background in nonwovens, fibers, coatings, technical films, textiles or specialty papers is highly desirable

Key Competency Areas:

• Collaborates with business partners to scope & execute research projects
• Sense of urgency and results orientation
• Resourceful and creative in finding practical ways to accelerate developing proof of concept and first prototypes
• Communication and skills to tailor information to multiple audiences, including presentations to senior executive leaders
• Willingness to accept contrary ideas and pivot plans as needed
• Hands-on experience with analytical, and microscopic tools
• Experience with statistical and modeling tools
• Strong Business acumen
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills

If you are interested in this role, please apply on Glatfelter’s website to be considered.  Please do not reach out to executives or individuals directly.  Thank you.

EOE/Vet/Disability/AA Employer”