Packaging Engineering Manager

Job Title: Packaging Manager

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Industry: Manufacturing (consumer products/pharmaceutical manufacturing)

Status of Hire: direct placement; permanent

Reports to: VP Research & Development

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401k with company match, STD, LTD, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, wellness program with incentives, PTO, and more!

Summary:

The Packaging Manager position plays a key role in the development and execution of strategies that support the development and commercialization of new packaging solutions that are compliant, cost effective and consumer centric. The Packaging Manager is responsible for facilitating cross-functional alignment with his/her business partners while also supporting Operations and QA on all topics related to packaging materials, packaging equipment and related processes. This position contributes to the development of corporate packaging strategies that leverage innovation in support of a robust pipeline of consumer-centric, sustainability-focused, retailer-preferred, packaging and display solutions. The Packaging Manager plays a key role in facilitating strategic alignment with the Executive Team while also supporting supplier and industry co-development initiatives.

Job Duties:

• Collaborate with the company’s Executive Team and cross-functional team members to drive alignment and accountability in support of NPD and D&SP (Display & Special Pack) programs and related strategies.
• Accountable for driving continuous improvement within the packaging function.
• Develops/mentors packaging staff members. Facilitates the implementation of training and educational programs to achieve packaging excellence.
• Validates that packaging solutions and specifications meet quality standards, consumer needs, regulatory requirements, and brand/retailer guidelines.
• Leadership expectation works with staff members to develop annual performance goals and personal development plans. Prepares and delivers quarterly feedback and annual performance reviews to direct reports.
• Reviews and approves proofs and vendor component color-matching before and after routing to all approving parties
• Responsible and owns technical milestones in project/program timelines.
• Supports manufacturing/operations troubleshooting technical issues (supplier, plant, packaging components/labels)
• Builds strong relationships with cross-functional partners to develop long term strategies to achieve the goals of the business as it relates to delivering cost effective, compliant, consumer/retailer preferred packaging solutions.
• Supports Global Supply Chain Team to achieve risk/balanced packaging component sourcing (ex. second sources).
• Creates/submits NPD and business-support Program Request’s, conducts feasibility assessments, develops estimated schedules, estimates cog’s, and participates in risk assessment activities.
• Demonstrates a full understanding of packaging components/resins, manufacturing processes, finished goods functionality, and regulatory compliance (global PLM, EPR reporting, material compliance).
• Accountable for hands-on development of packaging specifications, CAD drawings, 3-D modeling, and all required technical documents.
• Facilitates/supports the development of creative/innovative, consumer-centric, global packaging ideas/solutions.
• Employs a creative and intellectually rigorous approach towards identifying external packaging opportunities and developing unique/effective packaging solutions that help drive consumer demand.
• Builds external partnerships and participates in industry packaging events to represent the interests of the company.
• Evaluate new design concepts to identify materials and processes to address existing and emerging market (and regulatory) needs.
• Develops and maintains strong working relationships with key suppliers, to leverage their knowledge and capabilities, keeping abreast of developments in the packaging industry.
• Accountable for ensuring that the packaging function maintains accurate and up to date component, material and finished packaging specifications; stored within the packaging database (Specright).
• Oversees all packaging related technical studies and external research activities.
• Develop internal CAD, 3D modeling and statistical (data treatment and DoE) capabilities across the Packaging Group.
• Provides direction to staff to ensure that CAPE designs are updated and current.
• Serves as a company representative and participates in industry sustainability events. Identifies, assesses and proactively shares new sustainable packaging solutions with his/her business partners and cross functional team members.
• Works closely with supervisor and the Regulatory Function to ensure that the packaging group plans for and completes all required technical activities in support of current and future sustainable packaging programs/initiatives.
• Portrays company values and works closely with supervisor, HR, Packaging Staff and cross-functional colleagues to support the required cultural team behaviors (collaboration, trust, open/honest discussion, passion/curiosity).
• Teaches and encourages the correct behaviors while enforcing accountability with report(s) ensuring that program deliverables are completed on time, within budget and at the required level of quality with the appropriate level of team recognition.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• 10 years technical and/or design experience in CPG packaging (cosmetics, OTC’s, medical devices, pharmaceuticals).
• Bachelor’s, Master’s Degree in a related technical field (i.e. Chemistry, Packaging, Material Science).
• Experienced in effectively leading/managing a multi-disciplined packaging team.
• Strong business acumen, communication, interpersonal, influencing and relationship building skills.
• Leadership, provide guidance and mentor staff members.
• CAD and 3-D modeling skills
• Ability to identify/develop innovative packaging solutions in response to business opportunities and/or to mitigate risk.
• Maintains working knowledge of market research methodologies/application.
• Innovative & creative but also intellectually rigorous.
• Resilient in achieving great results and a truly collaborative team player with an objective voice of reason.
• Deeply curious with the ability to recognize value and draw out/leverage the creativity of others.

Physical Requirements:

• This position requires the individual to be onsite consistent with a hybrid work schedule with additional days in office as required.
• The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to sit and work on a computer station for up to eight hours in a workday.
• Ability to function in highly demanding, multi-tasking situations.
• The work environment described here is representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

**Must be authorized to work in the US for any employer, regardless of authorization or visa transfer

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of a diverse workforce. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, or any other criteria protected by governing law. All candidates must be able to pass pre-employment drug screens and background checks to be considered eligible for hire.