Product Development and Laboratory Supervisor

Company Description

For over 60 years, Brunk Plastic Services has been an industry leader as a one-stop shop for diverse plastic services such as compounding, pulverizing, and other services.  Brunk’s customers are plastic distribution companies, plastic molders (primarily rotational molders), and plastic resin producers. Our two manufacturing locations in Goshen, IN and Bloomington, MN blanket the Midwest and our products are distributed throughout the country. We are the largest supplier of polyethylene (PE) powder to the rotational molding market in North America.

Job Title: Product Development & Laboratory Supervisor - For compounding and pulverizing of rotational molding products and other markets

Job Summary: We are seeking an entry level role for the product development position at Brunk Plastic Services, our Compounding and Pulverizing division. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the laboratory activities and support sales, business development and operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in plastic resins and it will be especially helpful if they know the rotational molding market as well. The role will require interaction with customer opportunities as well as coordinating color matches with color concentrate suppliers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the laboratory technology process for new and existing customers, with a focus on compounding and pulverizing activities in improving products or delivering new ones
• Collaborate with cross-functional internal teams, including manufacturing and customer service to ensure successful product launches and customer satisfaction
• Conduct market research to identify customer needs and market trends, and develop new product concepts accordingly with the team
• Develop and manage project timelines and budgets as required, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget
• Work with the manufacturing team to ensure that new products can be successfully scaled up for production
• Develop and maintain relationships with key suppliers and vendors (especially the color concentrate producers and other additive suppliers) ensuring that raw materials and components meet quality and cost requirements
• Participate in industry events and trade shows to stay up-to-date on new technologies and trends in compounding
• The person in this role will be responsible for color development and managing customer quality concerns if they arise

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree preferred especially in polymers or chemistry
• A technical background in compounding desired
• Project management skills, with experience developing and managing project timelines
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams both internally and externally
• Ability to travel to industry events and trade shows as needed
• Ability to travel to plant locations and customers (10% travel estimated)
• Ability to work in an ERP system (Brunk uses PLEX)

If you are a self-motivated and results-driven individual with a passion for business and technology with customer interactions and an understanding of rotational molding/plastic compounding, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Industry

• Plastics Manufacturing

Employment Type

Full-time

Larry Berkowski

President & CEO Brunk Plastic Service