Materials Project Manager
Full-Time, Exempt, Onsite in Twinsburg OH
Candidates who accept an offer are required to complete a background check and drug test before they start.
Position Summary:
We're hiring a driven and technically minded Materials Project Manager with experience in materials development, manufacturing operations, and material evaluation. This role is responsible for evaluating, testing, qualifying, and implementing new materials and processes that support business growth and product performance. Working closely with production, engineering, R&D, commercial teams, and suppliers, this position focuses on identifying innovative material solutions, coordinating material testing and production trials, optimizing material performance, and ensuring reliable, cost-effective material supply. The successful candidate will serve as a key technical resource for materials-related decision making while supporting cross-functional projects and commercialization initiatives.
Your Essential Responsibilities:
- Lead material development initiatives, including the evaluation, testing, qualification, and implementation of new materials and processes.
- Serve as a subject matter expert on materials, supporting product development teams with technical recommendations and material-related decision making.
- Coordinate and support laboratory testing, production trials, and process validation activities to evaluate material performance and manufacturability.
- Collaborate with production, engineering, quality, and commercial teams to ensure materials meet performance, quality, processing, and customer requirements.
- Drive material optimization initiatives that improve product performance, processing efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance manufacturing effectiveness.
- Analyze material properties, processing data, supplier information, and market developments to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
- Manage new product development activities by coordinating material selection, production trials, data collection, and commercialization efforts.
- Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers through assessments of technical capabilities, quality systems, reliability, financial stability, and performance.
- Coordinate closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to troubleshoot material-related issues and implement corrective actions.
- Establish and maintain strong supplier relationships while driving accountability, performance improvement, and long-term partnerships.
- Monitor inventory levels, material consumption, and supply requirements to support uninterrupted manufacturing operations.
- Conduct supplier audits, performance reviews, and corrective action activities to maintain quality and supplier compliance.
- Identify and mitigate material and supply chain risks through contingency planning and supplier development activities.
- Develop sourcing strategies and support supplier negotiations to optimize cost, quality, technical performance, and supply reliability.
- Partner with regional and global business teams to leverage material purchasing opportunities and maximize value.
- Lead cross-functional projects by coordinating timelines, priorities, resources, and stakeholder communication.
- Prepare and present technical reports, material recommendations, and project updates to support business decisions.
- Support continuous improvement efforts that enhance material performance, operational effectiveness, and overall business results.
Your Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent experience may be considered.
- 3-5 years of experience in materials development, manufacturing, product development, polymers, compounding, extrusion, material testing, or a related discipline.
- Experience evaluating, testing, qualifying, and implementing new materials and processes.
- Experience coordinating material evaluations, testing programs, production trials, or process improvement initiatives.
- Experience working directly with suppliers on material qualification, technical support, or performance improvement activities.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret material performance data and make informed recommendations.
- Knowledge of material properties, processing methods, and manufacturing operations.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across departments and with external partners.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
- Experience coordinating multiple technical projects and priorities simultaneously.
Your Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with plastics, polymers, resins, additives, dry chemicals, compounding, extrusion, or related manufacturing processes.
- Experience supporting new product development, commercialization, or stage-gate product development processes.
- Experience leading material qualification, validation, and implementation activities.
- Knowledge of polymer formulation, material characterization, processing technologies, and manufacturing quality systems.
- Experience analyzing material performance data and supporting root cause investigations.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and inventory planning.
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and process optimization principles.
- Experience conducting supplier audits, quality assessments, or vendor performance reviews.
- Experience collaborating with global suppliers, technical teams, or multinational manufacturing organizations.
- Project management experience, PMP certification, or formal project management training.
Your Opportunities:
- We offer you a diverse range of tasks in a dynamic team in a company that is dedicated to team member growth and advancement,
- Competitive compensation package based on experience,
- Up to 5 weeks PTO after your first year,
- Paid parental leave,
- Health insurance plans,
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match,
- Training and advancement opportunities,
- Flexible scheduling for better work-life balance,
- Supportive, team-oriented work environment,
- Culture of continuous improvement and innovation, and more!