September 12, 2024

Gate Gourmet

Hoogstraten

FULL TIME

Product Manager Fibers & Cardboard Food Packaging

Are you ready to join an international company that is focused on creating sustainable products for the airline and foodservice industry?

Probably at some point in your life you have traveled on a plane & ordered some food or have gone to your nearby takeout place to buy a salad for lunch. In that case, you might have seen de Ster packaging and didn't even know it. A lot of people don't realize that the packaging world can be exciting, but it is more than that, especially when it comes to food. de Ster is unique in its industry because we design and manufacture tableware and packaging in many different materials. Our purpose is to create sustainable food and travel experiences and we need you on this journey.

If you want to be part of a company that strives to create a better future and change how we look at eating & drinking, you are in the right place.

As a Product Manager you effectively balance the customer expectations towards the commercial, technical and design aspects during product developments. There is a team of engineers, designers and manufacturing experts that will support you as a team, hence communication is important.

Responsible for new product development and the product development process

You are Involved in co-development projects with our key customers. The Product Manager explores the needs and possibilities with the customer, translates them into a clear development to the rest of the organization, to then manage this development from beginning to end.
You will also turn the learnings and briefings based on our portfolio analysis into concrete new products.
A technical and operational understanding of fiber products (Wet moulded fiber, cardboard, fiber, barriers,..) to identify and implement the right product functionalities is an advantage.
You understand the interests of the various stakeholders to make balanced decisions.
Project management skills are key. You manage projects, and give direction especially to sales, design, engineering, quality and procurement … to create the best customer solution.
You lead communication sessions with the customer for product development related topics.
Support sales in presentations to customers and create a level of excitement.
You give feedback to the product portfolio team so they can adjust portfolio strategy based on your insights.
Retain high level of market, technical and product knowledge.

Responsible for the specifications of a product /development

Define specification of product solutions as input for the deal making process.
Make sure the specifications are in line with the customer expectations on usage of the products, operations, logistics
Responsible for the product approval process
Adjust specs and products based on learnings from quality
Propose specs changes to enhance profitability

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Product development /Engineering education – Master or similar by work experience

Minimum 3 years of work experience in product management / product development / product engineering

Technical knowledge on food packaging products: Specifically fiber products, additional knowledge on food packaging production techniques is a plus: thermoforming, injection molding, plastic materials, hotmeal solutions, sealing applications, barriers…. (functionality, specifications, production processes)
Product development process know-how. (how to develop a product from brief up to delivering a signed of production sample)
Market knowledge: Food service and Quick service Restaurants
Notion of compliance and changing legislation
Clear presentation and communication skills (written and oral)
Project management skills
Analytical skills to perform product analysis and to define processes.
Computer and software knowledge (powerpoint, excel, word).Knowledge of Artios CAD is a plus.

COMPETENCIES

Customer and solution-oriented mindset. Entrepreneurial attitude.
You have an open mind and offer different perspectives on problems related to customers, products, processes and production techniques.
You apply attention to details and clear follow up in your projects.
Team player with ability to function in cross-functional contexts (both as leader and team member)
Down to earth, able to get along with manufacturing workers, customers and direct colleagues
Flexible, both in task diversification and in working hours
Take ownership and responsibility
Well organized, accurate

LANGUAGE AND TRAVEL

Fluent English in speaking & writing
Knowledge of Dutch is a plus
Willingness to travel internationally. Mostly short trips.

ORGANISATION

This function reports to the Category Director Food Service

We have low hierarchies and a hands-on mentality, with teamwork being of high value. Besides that, we also offer hybrid way of working (office/remote) and a team of colleagues that have a passion & enthusiasm for what they do.