Packaging Engineering Manager

Summary

Lidl US is searching for the next Packaging Engineering Manager to join our Branding & Packing team! The Packaging Engineering Manager is a strategic and dynamic role that will lead a team of analysts through collection and verification of packaging assets needed for the development of private label artwork; including both food and non-food items. Based at our head office in Arlington, Virginia, you will own workload planning and reporting on project milestones. A core focus of this leadership position will be spearheading an initiative to optimize shelf-ready packaging (SRP) for store efficiency and product presentation. You will serve as a bridge across Lidl, building relationships and driving cross-functional alignment with both internal stakeholders and external vendors to champion our packaging standards.

What You'll Do

Essential Functions

• Effectively delegate and guide the work of other team members in accordance with Company principles and management model
• Implement and manage assigned programs, processes and initiatives through effective delegation and collaboration with stakeholders
• Analyze and evaluate current processes and projects for recommended optimization
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of packaging analysts, managing daily workload allocation, setting clear performance expectations, and fostering professional growth
• Strategically plan project priorities, balance team capacity, and establish, track, and report on critical project milestones to ensure the timely delivery of all packaging assets to the Brand & Packaging (BAP) team
• Spearhead the initiative to optimize Shelf-Ready Packaging (SRP), leveraging technical insights to maximize in-store handling efficiency and improve shelf appearance according to Lidl guidelines
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships across internal business units-including Purchasing, Brand & Packaging, Supply Chain and Merchandising
• Serve as the primary escalation point and strategic partner for external vendors, overseeing the collection and verification of dielines and material specifications
• Provide high-level technical guidance regarding packaging components, corrugate manufacturing, materials and printing
• Implement and manage assigned programs, processes and initiatives through effective delegation and collaboration with stakeholders
• Analyze and evaluate current processes and projects for recommended optimization
• Manage job details, timelines, and proactively raise questions and provide solutions within the packaging management process
• Advise Sr. Manager of potential conflicts, issues or delays to the design, implementation, production and release of final print files
• Establish cost standards across SRPs types
• Ensure the planning, controlling, monitoring and closing projects in assigned area of responsibility
• Communicate Lidl US packaging requirements with suppliers
• Review supplier submitted information to confirm both its accuracy and compliance within guidelines
• Complete product specifications
• Review packaging specifications to identify correct recycling information
• Update project trackers with work completed/not completed
• Assist suppliers with developing new packaging and continuously improving existing packaging within Lidl guidelines
• Perform other duties as assigned

What You'll Need

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Excellent management and supervisory skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate
• Proficient in Google Workspace Tools and/or Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to guide junior team members, conduct performance reviews, and foster professional development
• Ability to manage several concurrent projects
• Ability to provide actionable feedback to design and production agency partners
• Strong knowledge of consumer/market trends
• Knowledge of packaging design and brand management
• Fundamental knowledge of brand building, brand architecture and packaging design in the private label or national brand environment
• Fundamental knowledge of packaging materials including: paperboard, corrugated, rigid and flexible polymers, glass, and metal
• Basic understanding of printing processes including: flexographic, lithography, rotogravure, and digital printing
• Proficiency with CAD and 3D software (Artois CAD, CAPE, Adobe Illustrator, Studio Visualizer, Store Visualizer, Solid works etc.)

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of packaging design and brand management (marketing) in CPG, FMCG, or grocery retail
• Strong knowledge of consumer/market trends in the retail/grocery field
• Intermediate to advanced understanding of printing techniques
• Advanced understanding of packaging components, structures and materials
• Advanced knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and design principles

Required Education, Certifications/ Licenses, Related Experience

• Bachelor's degree
• 3-5 years of experience in a related field
• In lieu of degree, 5+ years of experience in related field will meet the education and related experience requirements listed above
• Proven track record of directly managing, mentoring, or leading a team in a professional setting
• Strong fundamental knowledge of brand building, brand architecture and packaging design in the private label or national brand environment

Preferred Education, Certifications/ Licenses, Related Experience

• 8-10 years of consumer packaging experience
• CPG, FMCG or retail food packaging experience

Physical Job Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times

What You'll Receive

At Lidl, we know that in order for our people to do their best, they must be at their best. That's why as a company, we offer one of the most generous benefits packages in the industry.

All our Lidl employees are eligible to receive the following benefits:

• Starting pay of $125,000 (with potential to earn $145,000 in the future)
• Medical & Prescription | Dental | Vision coverage
• Paid Holiday & Paid Time Off (PTO) to use for sickness or vacation
• Dedicated training plans to ensure you are set up for success
• 401K Plan (+ 5% company match)
• Voluntary Term Life & AD&D Insurance
• Total Well-Being Program
• DailyPay, a voluntary benefit to offer employees access to their pay on their own schedule

Lidl US views our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through a lens of actions that are Good for the Environment, Good for People, and Good for You.

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