R&D Manager - Platform Acceleration

R&D Manager - Platform Acceleration

Location: Batavia, OH (On-site)

Build Your Career with an Industry Leader

MCC is the global leader in premium labels, helping brands stand out and inspire positive consumer experiences. With over a century of printing expertise, we're focused on the future-developing consumer-driven innovations and sustainable packaging solutions. Join our team and make a real impact.

We are seeking a hands-on R&D Manager to accelerate platform innovation and bridge technical understanding across printing, equipment, and production. This pivotal role will partner with our senior chemists and cross-functional teams to scale proprietary technologies, bring structure to R&D workflows, and foster seamless collaboration across departments. You'll be part of a dynamic, collaborative team where your expertise will directly shape the future of our platforms and make a visible impact from lab to press.

Key Responsibilities

• Scale Innovations: Translate proprietary label constructions into scalable, documented processes ready for production and process engineering.
• Structure & Documentation: Develop SOPs, experimental records, and knowledge transfer templates to standardize and elevate R&D workflows.
• Project Management: Lead project timelines and coordinate cross-functional efforts to ensure smooth execution and delivery.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Build strong partnerships with production, marketing, and sales teams to ensure smooth technology transfer and solve customer challenges.
• Mentorship & Leadership: Help provide guidance for junior lab scientists and interns, fostering a culture of learning, ownership, and teamwork.
• Clear Communication: Present experimental data and insights to peers, project teams, and customers-both in writing and presentations.
• Regulatory & Sustainability: Collaborate with teams to help ensure compliance and progress toward MCC's goals.
• Safety Advocacy: Champion employee safety standards aligned with facility policies and best practices.

Qualifications

• Degree in Packaging Science or related discipline strongly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree with 5-10 years of R&D experience, Master's with 3-5 years, or Ph.D. with 1-3 years.
• Strong curiosity, analytical thinking, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Proven experience in experimental design, documentation, and process scaling.
• Excellent oral and written communication abilities.
• Working knowledge of printing applications, label construction, and physical/chemical properties of inks and adhesives.
• Experience in packaging value chain or food & beverage manufacturing is a plus.
• Collaborative mindset with a track record of building cross-functional relationships.