Packaging Engineer

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Leads, manages and supports aspects of technical packaging changes/waivers/components/projects, including new product/package introductions or launches as well as product/process changes and rollovers. This includes die line development, unit load creation and prototyping/sampling. Packaging development may include various materials, including but not limited to fiberboard, corrugate, cartons, plastics and/or films.

2. Determines packaging specifications according to the nature of the product, cost limitations, legal requirements, and the type of protection required. Designs package exteriors considering such factors as product identification, sales appeal, aesthetic quality, printing, sealing, fastening devices and production techniques. Develops the required type of packaging materials to maximize convenience, utility and function based on the product's physical characteristics, safety and special handling requirements.

3. Adheres to packaging and transportation industry, customer/vendor and KC standards, procedures and requirements to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards. Understands and follows corporate policies and procedures and industry standards for packaging specifications.

4. Demonstrates knowledge of internal K-C & external vendor/copacking operations, technology and production capabilities, as well as supply chain processes, to integrate operations and supply chain solutions and objectives into package development – to capitalize on cost reduction and production efficiency opportunities. Assesses and develops action plans to overcome packaging related manufacturing issues.

5. Understands the consumer, customer and competitive environment to ensure consistency and alignment with brand equity to drive category growth. Identifies and recommends new technology and/or materials used in the packaging industry to create leading edge package designs, innovations and prototypes.

6. Recognized as a packaging subject matter expert on cross functional and multi-level teams for a wide range of package development projects including both large, complex projects as well as full scope ownership for smaller projects. Drives best-in-class packaging designs, standards and specifications.

7. Designs and coordinates laboratory activities and tests using scientific systems/tools to assess technical feasibility in the qualification of materials, copackers and vendors. Provides technical support to ensure quality standards, package performance, and continued supply of products and packaging materials. Identifies and tests/qualifies alternate sources for raw materials and packaging components. Writes component/equipment test protocols/reports, trip/mill/vendor summaries, regulatory and technical reporting/documentation and trial plans/results.

DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC/NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Works with category teams and leadership to deliver business objectives.

• Utilizes internal Packaging/R&E resources to deliver short- and long-term business results.

• Ensures the appropriate and effective protection for proprietary information.

• Supports the execution and utilization of business practices/processes within the R&E organization including IMF, LEAN and Portfolio Management.

• Ensures all work complies with corporate safety, regulatory, product safety and sustainability requirements, including appropriate use of patents, invention disclosures and trade secrets.

• Manages self in accordance with the One K-C Behaviors.

• Ensures that all elements of the corporate Human Resources Development and Diversity and Code of Conduct policies are fully supported.

• Communicates professionally and appropriately with all customers, conducting all communications and transactions with the utmost integrity and honesty so as to build an unimpeachable business reputation.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education required:

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering or related degree

Preferred Experience/Qualifications:

• Packaging Co-op/Internship experience and/or 1-3 years of professional experience required

• Demonstrated accomplishments in Packaging Engineering preferably within the Consumer Products industry

• Basic knowledge of packaging development and operations/supply chain processes.

• Experience in LEAN practices/manufacturing

• TOPS/CAPE/CAD experience is required, SAP/PLM experience is preferred

Critical Skills/Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of end to end packaging development process, including printing processes and packaging industry

• Strong planning/organizing skills with an ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects with conflicting deadlines and objectives

• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships and work with multi-functional project teams

• Ability to influence decisions across multiple functions/levels

• Ability to conceptualize ideas and transform specific brand/customer/consumer goals into packaging structures and specifications, including knowledge & experience with testing procedures

• Strong problem solver to develop solutions and actionable plans for multiple functions and vendors/agencies

• Ability to communicate professionally in both oral and written form to inspire others to action; excellent presentation skills

• Strong analytical skills to collect and interpret data and information to improve material/package/product/process performance

• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in an environment with a high degree of change and uncertainty

• Self-directed, change agent, energizer and mobilizer - can quickly assess a situation, needed resources and drive execution

• Explore and scout new, innovative and creative packaging solutions – keeping current within industry, equipment/manufacturing capability and technology, including sustainability initiatives