Purpose of the job: Materials Specialist, working within the prime materials team based out of Tinley park, responsible for specifications and qualifications of metal & coatings packaging materials. Managing purchasing support projects for aluminium & steel in support of operations and sourcing teams. The role requires good materials knowledge, communication and people skills. The role will involve some travel and working closely with Crown Operations, Corporate Sourcing, Project Managers and Materials Suppliers. Key responsibilities and accountabilities: Project Leader: Aluminium & Steel Specifications and Qualifications Technical leadership responsibilities for aluminium & steel specifications and qualifications in North & South America and Europe Adhering to and supporting the Crown Materials Qualification Process. This includes ensuring conformance of suppliers and working with the Regulatory team to ensure compliance of new materials. Close cooperation with Crown’s Purchasing Group, Crown’s business sectors and other teams within Corporate Technology (CT) to manage the approval of new materials, standardization or quality performance Trial support with Plants, Suppliers and Sourcing, compliance with Crown Materials Database Support on-going improvement in plant performance through hands-on technical support, providing expertise, knowledge management and transfer of best practices Excellent service support for failure investigations of materials as technical support to Crown’s businesses. Metallography lab experience will be an advantage. Attend material production and component manufacturing trials when required Support supplier audits as requested by the businesses and Sourcing Strong collaboration required with the Packaging Science team in Wantage to support qualifications and failure investigation resolution. Support the EHS program and continuous improvement in team performance. Aluminium & Steel Supplier and Sourcing Technical Support Support joint developments with suppliers where better materials, processes or novel surfaces offer performance or efficiency advantages Work closely with the Aluminium & Steel Supplier Collaboration Leaders to maintain a technology pipeline for prime materials and process development. Representation of CT at Corporate meetings (Project Reviews, etc.) ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS Professional and academic qualifications University Degree in Metallurgy or Materials Science Skills and competencies Good communication Good team player Personal attributes Proactive Results focused Languages English Preferred Requirements Postgraduate Degree Demonstrable know-how and skills in managing materials related projects. Six Sigma or related training and practical experience of these techniques Previous experience in: Relevant experience in related industry Aluminium or Steel packaging industry Aluminium or Steel supplier Experience in Aluminium and their bulk and surface properties is a clear advantage