Packaging Engineer II

Job Purpose

Organize, plan, manage, and execute packaging projects company-wide from concept through commercialization for all bakery product types including new product development, packaging innovation, existing packaging evaluation, and cost reduction strategies. Provide technical packaging expertise to the organization, developing cooperative working relationships with cross-functional teams, manufacturing plants, and external packaging vendors. Drive new package creation by working closely with Sales, Marketing, R&D, and the end customer to ensure packaging delivers on character, cost, and quality.

Essential Functions

• Create and deliver packaging solutions from concept to launch, working with Sales, Marketing, R&D, Engineering, and Manufacturing to ensure completion of project objectives
• Work closely with Procurement and external vendors on all projects to source stock packaging options as well as develop any custom packaging needs
• Develop packaging specifications for internal use as well as complete customer and retailer driven specification requests
• Conduct and oversee testing for packaging components including line tests, trials, ship tests, and other forms of analysis to validate packaging specifications
• Serve as technical packaging leader on cross-functional project teams while managing the technical timeline, providing timely communication and outlining issues, risks, and contingency plans
• Troubleshoot new and existing packaging problems involving designs, materials, and processes; provide creative, timely, and cost-effective solutions
• Work with Quality, Manufacturing, and Transport teams to identify and resolve quality issues that may arise
• Identify and implement cost saving initiatives related to packaging materials, labor, efficiency, transportation, and storage
• Prepare technical reports and communications to share and make recommendations to business cross-functional teams regarding packaging decisions
• Support capital project startup activities including commissioning of new equipment, qualification of products, and verification of performance to standards regarding packaging use
• Stay current with packaging trends, new technology, and sustainability definitions for packaging
• Support food safety program, quality standards, and legality of manufactured products
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications (Education, Experience, Competencies)

• Bachelor's degree in packaging (engineering, science, etc.) or related degree
• 5-7 years of relevant packaging experience; consumer packaged goods and/or food manufacturing preferred, bakery experience desired
• Strong understanding of packaging design, materials (paperboard, corrugated, metal, and rigid and flexible plastic), formats (boxes, trays, clamshells, pails, cartons, etc.), processes, equipment, and testing procedures
• Knowledge of food science and how packaging affects food shelf life, flavor, and other properties
• Strong computer skills: Excel, SharePoint, SAP, and PLM
• Strong communication, problem solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with individuals and groups at all levels of the organization as well as external resources, suppliers, and customers to achieve project objectives
• Ability to communicate complex technical information in an easily understood format to various levels within the organization
• Time and project management skills with the ability to organize, manage, and prioritize multiple, concurrent projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high attention to detail and meeting deadlines
• Agile mindset with the willingness and ability to adapt to changing business needs and deadlines
• Self-motivated, self-directed, goal oriented, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision