Cartamundi -

About the Job

#Ownership

Location: Altenburg, Germany - We welcome applicants from any European or American countries, provided they can work in a hybrid or remote-based model.

About Cartamundi

Cartamundi is the global leader in “play” solutions — from playing cards to board games, collectibles, and trading card games. With 3,100 team members worldwide, we empower people everywhere to “Live Different, Play Different.” Headquartered in Belgium, our family-owned company operates 12 manufacturing sites and a global network of design and sales offices across the U.S., Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

Our portfolio includes iconic heritage brands like Bicycle®, Bee®, and Copag®, alongside many beloved local brands. We’re also a trusted production and distribution partner for the world’s leading toy and entertainment companies.

With roots dating back to 1765, we combine centuries of craftsmanship with forward‑thinking innovation, including digital experiences. Our strategy focuses on sustainable, profitable growth — preserving our planet and our company for generations to come.

BECOME A CARTAMUNDIAN — We Can. We Care. We Do. We Play. We Connect.

Your Opportunity

As Global Cutting Technology Expert, you are Cartamundi’s global authority on high-speed automated die cutting/ punching, high precision slitting, and advanced blanking/stripping technologies.

Remote-based in Europe or the Americas and reporting to the Vice President Industrial Innovation & R&D, you will define and safeguard our global cutting standards, accelerate innovation across all cutting converting processes, and ensure worldclass precision in cut-to-print registration, crease quality, dimensional stability, and edge integrity.

You will work closely with our global manufacturing network, engineering, and R&D teams to evaluate new technologies optimize processes, and guide installations and trials across our sites and suppliers. You will be recognized as the technical authority in cutting and converting, comfortable operating at both machine level and global-standards level.

This role is global in scope and requires up to 50–60% international travel. You will have a globally visible expert role with direct exposure to leadership, production sites, and suppliers worldwide – travel is integral to influence, not oversight alone.

While deep expertise in cutting technologies is essential, the success of this role depends equally on curiosity, innovation, and the ability to challenge the status quo. We are looking for an expert who brings new ideas, pilots unconventional approaches, and constructively challenges the organization to test and adopt better ways of working. Solid knowledge of packaging and converting environments is critical to ensure innovations are practical, scalable, and value-creating.

Your function:

Technology & Innovation

• Scout, evaluate, and validate cutting technologies (high speed automated die cutting/punching, high precision slitting, flatbed/rotary die cutting, laser, digital knife/CNC tables).
• Lead trials, benchmarking, and business cases for new equipment and materials.
• Drive innovation in precision, throughput, sustainability, and automation.

Global Standards & Best Practices

• Define and maintain cutting and creasing standards as the recognized reference expert across the global network.
• Establish calibration routines and cut‑to‑print alignment guidelines.
• Troubleshoot complex converting issues and lead root‑cause investigations.

Process Standardization & Continuous Improvement

• Develop global SOPs, specifications, and quality benchmarks.
• Lead and guide sites in implementing SPC, inline/offline vision, SMED, and capability improvements.
• Lead global assessments to optimize OEE, scrap, and tooling life.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with R&D on design‑for‑cutting feasibility, materials, and dieline optimization.
• Advise engineering with equipment specifications, vendor evaluations, and commissioning.
• Train, coach and mentor sites in process mastery and technical problem‑solving, building internal capability rather than recurring dependency.

Supplier & Partner Management

• Conduct internal and external technical audits.
• Approve die lines, samples, and first‑article production.
• Build strong partnerships with diemakers, equipment OEMs, and automation providers.

Your profile:

You are a seasoned specialist with a strong technical background in high‑precision cutting and converting processes. You combine practical, hands‑on expertise with analytical thinking, and you take pride in delivering work of consistently high quality. You are motivated by technical excellence, continuous improvement, and the opportunity to contribute to global standards within a complex, multisite environment.

You bring the following qualifications and strengths:

• You have solid, relevant experience (typically 5+ years) in high speed automated die cutting/punching, high precision slitting, flat bed or rotary die, laser and digital knife cutting, related converting technologies in playing cards, packaging, or similar industries.
• Solid expertise in die design principles, including steel rule selection, bevels, crease channel geometry, counter plates/matrices, nicking, rubbering, anvil settings, and makeready procedures.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM tools for die lines and nesting (e.g., ArtiosCAD, Impact) and familiarity with camera‑based registration systems.
• A thorough understanding of substrate behaviour, including grain direction, humidity sensitivity, laminated or foil materials, PET/PVC, and adhesive performance in kiss‑cut applications.
• A structured, data‑driven problem‑solving approach, applying PFMEA, DOE, Lean or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong communication skills, enabling you to collaborate effectively with R&D, engineering, operations teams, and supplier partners.
• Experience in a global, multisite production environment, combined with readiness and flexibility to travel internationally for trials, audits, and process implementation.

Additional nice-to-have skills: Experience with automation, robotics, inline/AI‑based inspection systems, environmental controls for substrate stability, or security/tamper‑evident cutting solutions.

Our offer:

• A high-impact, strategic role shaping the global future of cutting and converting within Cartamundi with direct visibility at group level.
• The opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies high speed automated die cutting and slitting
• Collaboration with world-class teams in engineering, R&D, operations, and supplier networks.
• A culture built on innovation, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.
• A global playground where your expertise directly influences product excellence and technological leadership and sets standards that endure beyond individual projects.

This role suits experts who enjoy seeing the real factory floor around the world – while still having the mandate to change how things are done.

Interested?

Are you ready for a new challenge? Surf to www.cartamundi.com/nl/careers and apply online. We look forward to receiving your resume and application letter.

DEI Statement

Cartamundi is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing fair and inclusive employment opportunities. We do not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race or ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, age, disability, national or social origin, marital or family status, genetic or health information, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.