Product Development Manager

Product Development Manager

OJI Fibre Solutions is one of New Zealand's leading manufacturers and suppliers of packaging solutions to a wide range of industries throughout the country.  Our customers include blue chip manufacturers and marketers of packaging products to the food, primary produce, industrial and grocery sectors.

We’re on the lookout for a dynamic Product Development Manager to fill this newly created role.  Reporting to the CEO you will be responsible for leading the product design & development function that supports our Corrugated Box and Paper Bag business units around New Zealand. 

Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of nine structural and graphic technicians - delivering accurate artwork and product samples to customers, with the goal of being our customers’ best supplier.
• Team development & performance, fostering a collaborative team culture; driving continuous improvement in customer service, team productivity and quality of output.
• Innovation, Design and Technical Development - translate customer briefs into executable design projects, ensuring alignment with production capabilities, materials, and manufacturing constraints.
• Partner with key customers and suppliers - project manage new product innovations, from concept to commercialisation (including patent registration where applicable), to further Oji Fibre Solutions market growth strategy.
• Stay informed on market trends, new materials, sustainability initiatives, emerging product, print and design technologies, packaging/packing equipment etc with our customer needs front of mind.
• Customer and Supplier Engagement – providing proactive & clear communication to external & internal customers of production timelines and expectations.
• Deliver consistent, high-quality service and technical support that enhances customer satisfaction and builds long-term customer relationships.
• Manage Oji Fibre Solutions Design product, material and software suppliers & contracts.
• Financial, Planning and Operational Excellence – a focus on improving productivity & customer service through digitisation of the Design function, manage and approve all quotes and invoices, oversee customer-facing digital platforms ensuring system performance, data security, and user experience are optimised.
• Financial metrics – track and report key metrics.
• Ensure data integrity across all customer and production interfaces and maintain proper version control, access management, and audit trails.
• Environment, Health, Safety and Risk - Lead, develop and maintain a safety-first culture through visible leadership and ensuring the adherence to safe practises

 Key Experience & Attributes we require:

• 3+ years Management within packaging technology or manufacturing or art and design area
• A proven understanding of health and safety management.
• Print industry training in Flexographic and/or Lithographic processes.
• Packaging knowledge – raw materials, products, machinery, preprint, post print etc.
• Understanding of engineering principles in packaging functionality.
• Experience with intellectual property / patents.
• Computer literacy across MIS, SAP, Microsoft Office, and design platforms. Experience with WorkflowMax and other job management tools.
• Commercially savvy whilst focusing on customer service excellence.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, experience in managing internal and external stakeholder relationships.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Self-driven, highly organised with strong problem-solving skills.
  

This is an exciting leadership opportunity to join Oji Fibre Solutions, a global player & leader in the Packaging sector.  We offer a competitive salary, alongside a comprehensive staff benefit package including medical insurance, life and income protection insurance, and enhanced superannuation and on-site car parking.

To be considered for this key leadership role, send me your CV along with a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Only people legally entitled to work in New Zealand will be considered for this role

No Agency CV’s please