Packaging Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Salary :

Job Summary : This position will be responsible for leading all packaging development projects. The scope of this role includes identification and commercialization of new packaging as well as identification and implementation of packaging related quality and cost initiatives;

works within cross functional teams comprised of customer engagement, R&D, Manufacturing, QA, Procurement, Engineering, and Finance and reports into the Vice President of Technical Services.

This position is required to bring creative thinking to the area of packaging design as well as ensure seamless integration into the supply chain and manufacturing systems to deliver against consumer, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and financial goals.

Essential Functions :

Lead packaging efforts to support innovation pipeline :

• Leverage packaging suppliers to translate winning ideas and / or prototypes into commercial scale packaging while achieving consumer, quality, manufacturing, supply chain, and financial goals
• Work with Procurement, Finance and Supply Chain to develop cost models and improve new packaging from a cost and consumer experience perspective
• Participate as the packaging lead at plant trials; make recommendations for final packaging, specifications, procedures, and equipment.

Provide technical support and lead packaging specification development

• Develop new specifications for new packaging :
• Work with R&D to develop packaging specifications that ensure quality product and shelf life
• Work with Business Development to ensure customer requirements are met including Club, Retail formats
• Work with Suppliers, R&D, Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality to design, plan and execute comprehensive qualification & validation of new packaging and equipment
• Create and execute packaging tests for product quality, shelf life and manufacturability
• Create packaging specifications relating to critical consumer attributes including key package dimensions, functionality (e.

g. ease of opening, storing) & aesthetics (color, finish)

• Develop protocols to ensure ongoing adherence to specifications :
• Ensure protocols and testing procedures are in place at suppliers, manufacturing sites, and within supply chain to ensure production and distribution efficiencies.
• Lead analysis and resolution addressing issues that arise at the plant level, supplier level, and throughout the distribution system.
• Lead investigation and resolution of consumer or supplier related packaging issues

Drive the quality and cost savings agenda for the company as it relates to packaging

• Participate in focused improvement projects with Manufacturing to proactively identify solutions to improve efficiencies and cost savings at the plant level
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to proactively identify and deliver the quality and cost savings agenda
• Ensure protocols are in place to ensure consistent quality in packaging material delivery.
• Work cross functionally to identify packaging needs to ensure consumer and customer satisfaction throughout the entire supply chain.
• Work cross functionally to identify root cause and solution of packaging material issues including working at the supplier level.

Be the champion of the packaging discipline with internal functions and external partners

• Be recognized as a subject matter expert for the packaging discipline
• Be at the forefront of new technology and material advances including sustainability, formats, and machinery that may impact innovation, quality, costs, or plant efficiencies.
• Operate as functional lead for various teams charged with packaging innovation for existing and new products
• Develop and drive project timelines to deliver on new innovation and cost or quality improvements

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities :

• BS, MS in Packaging engineering or Packaging Science
• Experience in Food industry working with food contact packaging
• Proficient in pallet programs-TOPS, specification database management, and MS Office software
• Strong knowledge of a wide variety of materials, technologies, and packaging equipment including film / bag / carton design (flow-wrap, stand-up pouches, top load, side load)
• Strong knowledge of packaging quality standards, testing protocols, specifications including Club and Retail
• Understanding of the interrelationship of product, process, distribution and packaging
• Experience developing consumer products packaging from concept through to commercialization
• Knowledge of government regulatory requirements in the processing of food
• High level of intellectual curiosity, problem-solving, and project management skills
• Strong bias for action; ability to balance risk mitigation with action orientation
• Able to collaborate successfully with cross-functional teams in a highly matrixed environment
• Ability to manage outside material component suppliers and external manufacturing partners
• Ability to successfully manage a complex project portfolio across multiple customers and delivery dates while ensuring delivery of the consumer experience, financial, and manufacturing goals
• Good negotiating skills when working through conflict resolution
• Ability to communicate and understand work instructions in English

Working Conditions / Physical Factors :

• Able to conduct work in adherence to BRC food safety standards and Bridgetown Natural Foods policies
• This job operates in a clerical, office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.
• This job also operates in manufacturing facilities for trials, launches, and product development work. This position will require the individual to be on his / her feet, ascend and descend stairs and safely maneuver through a warehouse and manufacturing environment
• Able to work in environment containing tree nuts, peanuts, milk, grains and other allergens
• Must be able to travel (10-15%)
4 hours ago