Job Details

Job Title: Head of Product

Reports To: President
Job Class: Salary

Summary of Position:

At SmartSolve (SSI), we've chosen to take the road less traveled. We're committed to a transcendent purpose, to glorify Christ through our character and actions as we faithfully steward His creation and resources. We're dedicated to innovation through a compelling vision, making packaging no longer trash. And we're sold out to a mission which will transform the food packaging industry, enabling people to better care for the planet by pioneering zero-waste packaging technologies.

To help accomplish this “mission impossible”, we're seeking an inspired, value-aligned Head of Product to support R&D activities to drive the innovation and development of market-leading products that expand our portfolio and enhance SmartSolve's position as an innovator. This role combines strategic vision, technical expertise, and collaborative leadership to oversee the entire product lifecycle. The Head of Product will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with company objectives and deliver impactful results.

Essential Duties:

• Become an expert in SmartSolve's current technologies, formulations, and applications.
• Develop and execute a product strategy aligned with SmartSolve's mission and market opportunities.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies, regulatory changes, and market trends to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Collaborate with Technical and Manufacturing teams to ensure the successful scale-up, launch, and commercialization of new products.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to convey market-facing information about new products at the appropriate time.
• Oversee product testing, validation, and trials to ensure compliance with internal (SSI Quality Assurance Program) and external standards.
• Create and maintain accurate product documentation, including product sheets and a database of third-party certifications and test results.
• Bring best-in-class R&D methods and processes to support the culture of excellence, including recommendations for software, equipment, and other resources.
• Contribute to additional projects or responsibilities as assigned by the President.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Expertise in polymers, coatings, adhesives, and sustainable materials is highly desired.
• Strong understanding of structure-property relationships in materials science.
• Solid knowledge of processes similar to those of SSI.
• Adaptable, flexible, thriving in a small company or startup environment with a “Do what it takes” attitude.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills both verbal and written; including the ability to present technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Solid business acumen and demonstrated quantitative skills.
• Entrepreneurial attitude, leadership ability, and ability to be a team player on all levels.

Training and Experience:

• A degree in polymer chemistry, materials science, engineering, or a related field is preferred; equivalent industry experience may also be considered.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in product development, R&D, or a related field, with a proven track record of successfully bringing products to market.

Physical Requirements:

• Availability to work in the SmartSolve facility in Bowling Green, OH.
• Reaching for phone and keyboard.
• Talking, hearing and repetitive motion.
• Standing for long periods of time.
• Required to have visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures.