R&D Portfolio & Project Manager

R&D PORTFOLIO & PROJECT MANAGER

Reporting to: Director, Global Rigid Packaging Solutions R&D Portfolio & Project , RPSI

Scope Portfolio & Project Manager

Portfolio & Project Manager is to oversee and coordinate our portfolio of projects in the region to ensure that the management process runs effectively and smoothly and that we deliver on the agreed metrics. This position requires knowledge in project management skills, and good communication to report at all levels in the organization. This role will help to drive consistency and standardization across global R&D project tools and practice with ongoing support for future R&D advancement projects.

Scope R&D Product Designer

Product Designer is responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and developing new products that align with our company’s strategic goals. This position requires a blend of creative design skills, project management skills and technical expertise with strong interest in user experience.

About the team:

The R&D team, composed of experienced professionals across multiple geographies, plays a critical role in advancing the company’s innovation and sustainability goals. Their focus spans three strategic pillars:

1. Sustainability: Implement and scale sustainable business practices across operations, with a focus on reducing environmental impact, maximizing circularity, and enhancing long-term value creation.
2. Product Innovation: Design and develop new and improved packaging solutions that address evolving customer needs across diverse industries and applications.
3. Cost Innovation: Drive value creation by optimizing cost structures through material efficiency, process innovation, and design simplification—while maintaining or enhancing product performance and quality.

This role is pivotal in supporting the Global R&D organization to shape the future of rigid packaging by delivering transformative solutions that meet evolving customer expectations, regulatory demands, and environmental imperatives.

Key Function Responsibilities

• Portfolio Management:
  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive portfolio of projects, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic goals.
  • Prioritize projects based on business impact, resource availability, and market demands.
  • Monitor and report on portfolio performance, providing insights and recommendations for improvements and filling business gaps.
  • Support the team in gathering metrics and systems to enable consistent data collection and alignment across global teams, driving standardization of dashboards and reporting. 
  • Secure use and understanding of the Portfolio Management Process and set up the training needed for your area.
• Project Planning and Execution:
  • Lead implementation and maintenance of stage gate process with clear governance implemented across all functions along with the tools required for the work to be executed.
  • Support the team with planning, execution, and delivery of projects within the portfolio, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, risk management and within budget.
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams, including product development, supply chain, sales and finance, to achieve project prioritization and execution.
  • Identify and mitigate risks, resolving issues promptly to keep projects on track.
  • Implement best practices in project and portfolio management, driving continuous improvement in processes and methodologies.
  • Stay updated with industry trends and advancements, incorporating relevant innovations into project management practices.
• Resource Management:
  • Engage with key stakeholders, including senior management, clients, and partners, to ensure alignment and support for projects, programs and portfolios.
  • Communicate project status, milestones, and outcomes effectively to all stakeholders.
  • Together with the Regional PPM Director, ensure that the RPSI Open top Container, Industrial  & Food Service project teams follow the ways of work defined to drive growth & improvement.
  • Organize and lead cross functional teams to implement projects from initial concept to successful completion following Amcor’s standard stage-gate process focusing on speed to market, development efficiency, cost, business continuity, quality and on time delivery.

Product Designer:

• Generate innovative product concepts based on market research, customer feedback, and emerging trends.
• Be project manager and ensure that the projects are updated and follow our stage gate model.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget constraints.
• Create detailed design specifications, sketches, and prototypes using CAD software and other design tools.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams including engineering, marketing, and manufacturing to ensure design feasibility and alignment with business objectives.
• Conduct product testing and iterate designs based on feedback and performance data.
• Stay updated with the latest industry trends, technologies, and materials to continuously bring fresh ideas to the table to be presented to the R&D Expert Centers team on a quarterly basis.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of design processes, specifications, and project progress

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Engineering, or a related field. Master’s degree or Project Management or certification is a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product design and development, preferably in an R&D environment.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, KeyShot, etc).
• Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and engineering principles.
• Strong understanding of Project management and knowledge in project management software and tools desired.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Proven experience in portfolio and project management, preferably in the packaging or manufacturing industry, is desired.
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a global, multicultural and matrix organization.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Experience with MS Office, SharePoint, MS Project, and SAP preferred.
• Familiarity with Wrike and Power BI is a plus.