Product Development Specialist

Company Description

Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY) is a global materials science and digital identification solutions company. We are Making Possible™ products and solutions that help advance the industries we serve, providing branding and information solutions that optimize labor and supply chain efficiency, reduce waste, advance sustainability, circularity and transparency, and better connect brands and consumers. We design and develop labeling and functional materials, radio frequency identification (RFID) inlays and tags, software applications that connect the physical and digital, and offerings that enhance branded packaging and carry or display information that improves the customer experience. Serving industries worldwide — including home and personal care, apparel, general retail, e-commerce, logistics, food and grocery, pharmaceuticals and automotive — we employ approximately 35,000 employees in more than 50 countries. Our reported sales in 2024 were $8.8 billion. Learn more at www.averydennison.com.

At Avery Dennison, some of the great benefits we provide are:

• Health & Wellness benefits starting on day 1 of employment
• Paid parental leave
• 401K eligibility
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program eligibility / Health Advocate
• Paid vacation and Paid holidays

Job Description

Avery Dennison is seeking a talented New Product Development Specialist to join our team in Mentor, Ohio, as part of the Materials Group - North America R&D Team. 

In this exciting and impactful role, you will leverage your polyolefin films expertise to drive strategic new product development for filmic pressure-sensitive labels. You'll partner with film suppliers and lead projects with a strong sense of urgency, seeing your innovations through to market. Your proven track record in leading technical innovations within the flexible films and/or pressure sensitive labeling application space will be crucial in achieving significant business objectives, including incremental revenue growth, cost reduction, and business continuity. If you are a leader who thrives on cross-functional collaboration and delivering tangible results within a leading values-based company, we encourage you to apply.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Technical leadership of R&D projects related to the qualifications of flexible polyolefin films and new product development for targeted customer applications by applying a hands-on approach and scientific principles within the application space for pressure sensitive labels.

• Ensure product development technical feasibility as evidenced by external feedback and market/organizational requirements. Leverage roadmaps and other resources to present technical alternatives that align with the business unit's strategic goals..

• Conduct experiments, communicate scientific approaches, and convey results with data. Present technical analysis to support product approval and adoption through the Stage-Gate process.

• Develop new test methods and standard protocols to be applied to filmic pressure sensitive labeling.

• Develop new products from pilot to production scale through technical leadership and by collaborating with multi-functional project teams, planning experimental designs, and coordinating pilot and plant trials.

• Collaborate globally with other technical experts to develop technical expertise further.

• Work closely with procurement and suppliers to ensure product mix meets business objectives.

• Support other departments such as quality, marketing, sales, and operations with specific product knowledge and expertise.

• Engage with the ecosystem to build external insights into product technology roadmaps.

• Contribute and adhere to EHS standards and policies and support Avery Dennison’s Sustainability Goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Polymer Science, Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering required. Advanced degree preferred. 

• Knowledge of polyolefin materials and manufacturing processes required.

• 6+ years of materials industry experience in developing materials for labeling and packaging with performance testing for various applications is preferred.

• Proven experience supporting/leading new product development in an R&D environment.

• Experience using Six-Sigma or Lean Sigma for new product development preferred.   

• Strong project and time management skills and experience with the Stage-Gate process. 

• Proficient in material science, with expertise in physical and analytical laboratory testing techniques, and contributing to developing innovative te