Lead Product Manager Polymer Coated Steel

What's your job?

An opportunity has arisen for a Lead Product Manager with specialist knowledge of polymer processing and/or polymer film lamination. One of the key strategic developments within Tata Steel Packaging is the further growth of Protact, a polymer-coated packaging steel, where a thin layer of polyester film is applied to the steel, giving our customers significant advantages compared to current products.

Our customers (B2B) for Protact are producing cans for (e.g.) food and aerosols and are supplying to the Brand Owners. Especially for the food market the food safety is a main aspect of the development. Obviously, for us but also for the whole supply chain, the sustainability of these materials is of utmost importance and the strong sustainability credentials of our product will be supported by the function. To realise the longer-term objectives on process development, volume growth for this product (and ultimately profitability of the Packaging business) you will develop & implement our exciting new Protact process and product.
 

As the Lead PM you will be responsible for overall steering of the Protact developments and ensuring that the right developments are done, either within the Agile teams or as separate activities with R&D. As the Lead PM you will have a “servant-leader” role towards the 3 PM’s Protact.

Main tasks include but are not limited to:

• Coordinating developments and qualifications with Marketing and Sales
• Initiating and driving a relevant R&D programme to support these process developments
• Realising process and product understanding of the lamination process by designing trials and experiments, drawing relevant conclusions and translating results to the optimal operation of the new line
• Lead specific developments to solve difficult problems at customer that are generic and bring to the customer together with CTS
• Setting up development projects with polymer suppliers to meet specific performance requirements or together with procurement ensure supply security
• Presenting the “Protact story” on trade conferences and customer events
• With R&D build up a co-operation with relevant groups at universities to expand on the fundamental knowledge of our materials

Is this you?

Within this position you will have the possibility to work on the development and commercialisation of a new product and make this successful, therefore we’re looking for a candidate with the following skills and competences:

• Master degree or equivalent in Process or Chemical Engineering preferably in the Polymer Technology area
• Minimum of 5-10 years relevant experience
• Experience in can making and/or coating performance is highly appreciated
• Specialist knowledge of polyester films, polymer film production and/or lamination is an advantage
• Willingness and flexibility to travel
• Working experience with Agile Working is preferred
• Pro-active and strong interpersonal effectiveness
• Able to cooperate and interact with people on different levels and functions
• Commitment and drive to achieve result
• Able to achieve change

What do we offer?

• An annual contract with a view to permanent employment
• The possibility to work flexible hours and/or part-time 
• A role where you drive product development
• Plenty of growth opportunities within Tata Steel
• Salary can run up to €8.900,- gross per month, depending on relevant experience and education 
• Variable bonuses fixed end bonus of 2% and 8% holiday  
• Minimum of 39 vacation days 
• Excellent benefits including a pension scheme 

What's your department?

The role will be within the central Technical team, focussed on product development and rolling out the product to customer. You will play a key role in ensuring consistent supply to the right quality in a cost-efficient way, supplying material to our customers, solving generic problems at our customers. To achieve this, you will be part of one or more Agile teams and, dependent on experience and requirement, function as Product Owner, team member. As the lead PM, in the Agile structure you will also have the role of Chapter Lead ensuring the right focus within the various Protact agile teams, being a sparring partner for Cluster Lead, Product Owners and supporting the other PM’s in their roles.

You will be part of the Packaging Technical department, working closely together with Sector, Marketing and Hubs in Belgium and the Netherlands. As Lead PM, you will co-operate closely with the 3 PM’s Protact. Within the department there are four disciplines: Customer support (CTS), responsible for the technical customer contacts and complaint handling; Process Technology, mainly focussing on the metallic coating process; the group Product Management and Development, responsible for new product portfolio development, and Protact Development and Management in which you would operate. The role is based in IJmuiden.

Background

Protact (polymer coated packaging steel) is the packaging steel of the future. Protact is a packaging steel on which a polyester film is laminated. A strong effort in growing volume with (new) customers and increasing production capacity is already underway. Upcoming customer qualifications and growing volume on our new lamination line require an increased understanding of the lamination process, and an increased effort to qualify our products at the customers. For generic issues that need to be solved at our customers a leading role is foreseen in realising a solution, producing materials and demonstrating this at our customers.

Apply or learn more?

Will you continue your career in our top-class Technical Department? Then apply directly. For questions please contact David Jonker, Recruiter.