Product Development Director (Qunnesec, Escanaba, Wisconsin Rapids, Miamisburg)

Purpose:

What if you could go to work and contribute to a sustainable future? Billerud is a leading sustainable packaging materials and paper company. We are passionate paper makers committed to providing the best solutions to our customers. It is our goal to deliver a quality product, on time. We offer competitive compensation, full benefits, opportunities for growth and advancement, and an understanding that our employees make us successful.

If you are passionate about what you do and driven to do it well, there is a place for you at Billerud!

Summary Description:

The Product Development Director is responsible for leading and aligning Billerud North America's tactical product development initiatives with broader business objectives. This role ensures that all development activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with regulatory and certification standards. Key stakeholders include North American mills, Sales, Marketing, and the Operations Leadership Team. Core deliverables include technical and trial support, problem-solving, risk management, strategic planning, certification compliance, and the promotion of best practices across the organization.

Key Accountabilities:

• Lead a culture of safety and environmental stewardship, ensuring all product development activities comply with applicable health, safety, and food safety regulations and certifications.
• Direct the execution of product development initiatives across mill sites, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, operational capabilities, and quality standards.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration by promoting knowledge sharing, standardization of best practices, and alignment across mill product development teams.
• Maintain deep technical expertise in mill equipment and processes to support feasibility assessments, product trials, and strategic development efforts.
• Oversee and participate in product and customer trials, serving as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for product development across Billerud North America.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, consultants, and OEMs to support innovation, satisfaction, and long-term partnerships.
• Provide strategic leadership in the development, evaluation, and implementation of capital projects related to new product grades and process improvements.
• Champion sustainability and continuous improvement, aligning product development efforts with Billerud's environmental goals and operational excellence initiatives.
• Drive risk management and problem-solving efforts, identifying and addressing operational challenges through structured methodologies and cross-functional collaboration.
• Support mill performance objectives, including achievement of KPIs and budget targets, through technical guidance and strategic alignment.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends, ensuring relevant innovations are evaluated and integrated into development strategies.
• Ensure effective documentation and governance of standardized product development processes and technical knowledge.
• Develop and deliver training programs to build organizational capability and foster a high-performance culture.
• Contribute to enterprise-wide transformation efforts, driving change, innovation, and measurable business outcomes.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required to support the success of the organization.

Required Experience and Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Pulp and Paper Science, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in product development and/or paper/board manufacturing.
• Proven leadership experience in a technical or managerial capacity.

Required Skills:

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across all organizational levels.
• Deep understanding of product design principles and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated success in problem-solving and driving results.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Self-motivated with the ability to lead and develop others.
• Proven track record of building and maintaining customer relationships.

Note: position will be onsite at any one of our physical locations (Quinnesec, Escanaba, Wisconsin Rapids, Miamisburg).

Billerud NA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified
applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to
race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin,
protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.

Why us?

• Be part of a dynamic team within Billerud
• An opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable future
• Development and career opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement and certificate courses offered through partner schools.
• Performance-based bonus
• You can choose among three medical plans designed to help you and your family stay healthy (with virtual care options!).
• Generous 401K match including discretionary annual contribution
• HSA Contribution match with additional contribution for annual preventive exam
• Dental & Vision coverage
• Company paid Disability Coverage
• Wellness rewards program
• Prescription Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Opportunity to hybrid working according to company standard

Our recruitment process may include interviews, recruitment test, reference
checks, and alcohol & drug testing.