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Senior Manager, Packaging Engineering
Senior Manager, Packaging EngineeringWelch's • Waltham, MA, US
Senior Manager, Packaging Engineering

Senior Manager, Packaging Engineering

Welch's • Waltham, MA, US
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Job Description

Job Description

Grow with Welch's!

Welch's is on a journey towards our bold ambition of being the global-leader of convenient, good for you fruit-based food and beverages. To turn this goal into a reality we need you and other exceptionally talented, agile, and innovative individuals who are eager to contribute to something extraordinary!

At Welch's, we're not just offering a job; we're inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, authentic, and inclusive culture where you not only belong, but also have the opportunity to unleash the best, most authentic version of you.

Position Summary :

We are seeking a Senior Manager, Packaging to lead Welch's packaging and process engineering team, with accountability for delivering high-impact partnered projects and advancing our enterprise packaging strategy. This leader will manage a team of packaging and process engineers, ensuring technical excellence and flawless execution while also shaping the roadmap for sustainable, consumer-focused, and cost-effective packaging solutions.

The Senior Manager will serve as the key R&D representative in partnered projects with Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain, ensuring packaging and process solutions enable innovation, growth, and productivity. They will also play a leadership role in setting long-term packaging direction, advancing sustainability initiatives, and developing supplier and technology partnerships. Partnered projects include co-manufacturing and licensing partners, in addition to this there will be opportunity to support internal projects and packaging capability builds.

This is a critical leadership role within Welch's R&D Pack & Process Team . This position reports directly to the Senior Director, Product, Pack & Process and is responsible for leading a team of packaging and process engineers. This position will play a strong part of the R&D Operations Leadership Team.

As part of the Pack & Process leadership team, this role ensures that packaging and process solutions are seamlessly integrated, scalable, and commercially viable. The Senior Manager is the primary R&D leader for partnered projects, working across Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain to deliver innovation, productivity, and sustainability outcomes.

This role is also a key contributor to the development of Welch's overall packaging strategy, bringing forward external insights, supplier partnerships, and technical solutions that align with consumer needs and business priorities.

What You'll Do :

  • Lead Pack & Process Team : Manage, coach, and develop engineers in packaging and process disciplines, building technical mastery and fostering cross-functional collaboration. There will be two direct reports.
  • Deliver Partnered Projects : Serve as the R&D lead on partnered projects, translating consumer and business needs into packaging and process solutions that deliver growth, cost, and sustainability objectives.
  • Shape Packaging Strategy : Contribute to Welch's packaging strategy, ensuring alignment with innovation priorities, sustainability goals, and long-term business needs.
  • Integrate Pack & Process : Ensure packaging design choices are manufacturable and resilient by embedding process considerations early in development.
  • Advance Sustainability : Drive initiatives to meet Welch's ESG commitments, including recyclable, reusable, and renewable solutions.
  • Build Supplier & Technology Partnerships : Lead relationships with key suppliers and technology partners, bringing forward emerging solutions.
  • Strengthen Functional Capability : Partner with other R&D team members on lab and pilot plant capabilities, standards, and systems to ensure robust commercialization and continuous improvement.

Who You Are :

  • Strategic thinker who can translate consumer insights and business needs into scalable packaging and process platforms.
  • Design-minded leader with expertise in structural packaging, CAD modeling, and design-for-manufacture principles.
  • Inspiring leader who builds teams, grows talent, and fosters collaboration across functions.
  • Sustainability champion with proven ability to build and execute sustainable packaging material strategies, including use of LCAs to drive decision-making.
  • Results-oriented problem solver who balances creativity with pragmatism and cost-consciousness.
  • Strong communicator who can influence at senior levels internally and externally.
  • Curious and future-focused, with a passion for sustainability and continuous improvement.

    • What You'll Need :

  • 10 + years of progressive experience in Packaging Development, Process Engineering, or related technical roles within Food & Beverage or CPG.
  • BS / MS in Packaging, Engineering, or related technical discipline (advanced degree preferred).
  • Proven track record leading packaging innovation from concept through commercialization.
  • Demonstrated leadership in managing teams, building capability, and shaping functional strategy.
  • Strong understanding of packaging material science, process technologies, and manufacturing systems.
  • Experience in structural package design, including CAD modeling and design-for-manufacture principles.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and implementing sustainability strategies, including use of sustainable materials, design for recyclability, and execution of Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs).
  • Experience partnering with suppliers and co-manufacturers to drive innovation and ensure supply continuity.
  • Knowledge of sustainability frameworks, packaging regulations, and consumer trends.
  • Willingness to travel (20-30%).

    • What You'll Enjoy :

  • Organization with a bold, clear purpose & vision for the future
  • Inclusive Culture : Be a part of an inclusive workplace where you not only belong but also have the opportunity to be the best version of yourself
  • Passionate Community : You are encouraged to have a voice, share your opinions, and have individual impact on the success of the business
  • Paid Time Off and Holidays : Available immediately for you to enjoy time away from the office to rest and recharge
  • Paid Volunteer Time Off : 40 hours of paid volunteer time for all non-union employees
  • Development & Advancement : Access to LinkedIn Learning as well as both formal and informal opportunities to develop and grow your career
  • Compensation Package Consisting of Competitive Base Salary and Annual Incentive Plan (Bonus)
  • 401K plan with Generous Company Match
  • Flexible Benefits from your first day : Choose the benefits that meet your needs and preferences

    • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance

  • Health Savings Accounts
  • Life and accident insurance
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Additional benefits available through Perks at Work
  • Paid parental (and adoption) leave - Available after 12 months of employment
  • The anticipated hiring base salary range for this position is $165,000 to $175,000 annually for US-based employees. This range reflects the minimum and maximum for the position across all US locations, is based on a full-time work schedule, and is Welch's good faith estimate as of the date of this posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for participation in a bonus plan.

    • Welch's is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the prevention of employment discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability and / or military or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other action covered by federal or applicable state / local laws.

    Welch's offers more than just a job - it's an opportunity to grow, innovate, and make a global impact with a passionate community.

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    Senior Manager Engineering • Waltham, MA, US