The Director, Polymer Recycling & Renewables provides functional leadership for packaging innovation enabled through next generation recycling & renewable technologies. This scope includes material and process knowledge in core packaging platforms (specifically Polyesters & Polyolefins) for enhanced performance and/or sustainability. This position requires expert level knowledge in the latest recycling and renewable technologies and will be a key contributor to the Materials & Sustainability team. This position reports to the Senior Director, Materials & Sustainability which is part of the Packaging Research & Engineering organization in Technical Innovation & Supply Chain. The position is located in Atlanta.

What You’ll Do for Us

• Innovation Pipeline Development: Drive shaping, development, validation, and implementation of “new to the system” technologies with appropriate partners at each stage of the innovation process. Own the innovation pipeline for all polymer recycling technologies (mechanical and chemical), renewable polymer technologies, and packaging design for recyclability. Partner with Director of PET and Barrier Technologies to contribute to a holistic PET innovation pipeline development.
• Technical Capability Development: Continually advance the technical capabilities accessible to TCCS through build (internal developments) / buy (purchased services) / borrow (joint developments) strategy. Own the capital plan aligned with the responsible technology domain and execute in partnership with Engineering & Conversion and Packaging Analytical capabilities.
• Technology Stewardship: Serve as a global steward of technical knowledge & expertise in polymer recycling, renewable materials, and sustainable material value chain through the global packaging network across the system. Track the global implementation status of different technologies across the network to capture learnings and to facilitate lift & translate globally. Own & maintain the rPET/rPE specifications in alignment with OU’s and appropriate functions. Provide input to hard-to-recycle material guidelines.
• Technical Problem Solving: Lead technical recommendations for recycled and renewable material adoption and ideal end-of-life solutions across all packaging materials & formats based on company sustainability metrics and science-based targets.
• Internal Influence: Collaborate seamlessly with Engineering & Conversion, Analytical, Global package development, and OU partners to deliver new packaging solutions enabled by polymer material innovations. Develop technical recommendations to support Procurement, Corporate & OU Sustainability, Quality, Safety & Regulatory teams.
• External Influence: Influence the industry direction through a substantial external presence with industry associations such as the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) and the International Society of Beverage Technologists (ISBT), and coalitions such as Initiative for Sustainable Beverage Packaging (ISBP). Collaborate with external companies in shaping industry direction for sustainable solutions.
• Intellectual Property: Provide strategic leadership in the generation and management of intellectual property (IP) related to polymer recycling and renewable technologies. Continuously monitor the global IP landscape to proactively identify and address emerging opportunities and potential threats in the aligned technology domains.
• Competitive Benchmarking: Track global competitive activity and maintain evergreen SWOT analysis to inform the innovation pipeline and technical capability developments.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Master of Science in Material Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering or a related field. PhD preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in material innovation. Proven industry leadership in bringing new innovations to life.
• Strong knowledge of material trends, innovations, and best practices relevant to sustainable packaging applications.
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and work collaboratively with various stakeholders.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in technology development, scale-up, new innovation commercialization, supplier relationship management, and intellectual property monitoring.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.