What You Do.

• Provides packaging engineering services that support existing production lines and existing packaging materials. 
• Responsible for keeping abreast of the latest packaging related technology and optimum material performance to pricing value and brings improved method and material concepts forward for potential packaging enhancement or cost saving potential.
• Provides continuous improvement initiatives and regular production support to continue improvement of COGS and provides a solid economic analysis for each initiative.
• Leads the implementation of Club packaging initiatives for core products that include a comprehensive understanding of each Club’s requirements; the design and/or development of retail ready packaging; establishing and following through on distribution testing criteria; and ensuring that internal manufacturing and warehouse requirements are met.
• Leads packaging initiatives in support of Foodservice and Food Ingredients Sales teams as it relates to the development of primary, secondary and tertiary packaging. 
• Develops a synergistic working relationship with manufacturing plants and external vendors in support of continuous improvement efforts and/or troubleshooting material/equipment interface opportunities.
• Develops packaging specifications for existing and new materials that includes performance, finished goods, and pallet specifications.
• Provides training on a periodical basis to enhance packaging material understanding and functionality for manufacturing/engineering personnel.
• Provides leadership on cross-functional teams and is regarded as the technical expert as it relates to packaging materials.  Has the ability to provide a strategic Packaging POV.
• Demonstrated ability to parallel path several technical solutions and implement the best alternative to meet project goals and appropriate timing without compromising project execution.
• Demonstrated ability to accomplish objectives on assignments which have ambiguity associated with their procedures, solutions, approach, etc.
• Experience with flexible and rigid polymers and their associated applications in addition to paperboard and corrugated packaging within the food or consumer products industry.
• Can leverage commercialization experience and technical knowledge to make quick and sound decisions while taking appropriate risks to solve project challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, define and initiate programs to accomplish objectives with minimal supervision in a fast paced and demanding work environment.
• Ability to define action steps to advance programs given conceptual objectives.
• Demonstrate understanding of packaging specifications documents, content, systems, drawing and document management.
• Ability to provide innovative packaging solutions and influence their application within the business unit.
• Develops strong relationships and communicates effectively to manage projects with Product Development, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Engineering, Suppliers, Quality, R&D, and Logistics.
• Utilizes statistical tools for enhancement of problem solving and project analysis.

Your Education and Experience.

• Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in Packaging Science or equivalent with 3 plus years of relevant experience; or Master’s degree (MS) in Packaging with 1 to 3 plus years of relevant experience.
• Additional educational courses will be required as needed to sustain departmental/individual technological levels. 
• Familiarity with SAP/PLM, or similar systems, in addition to TOPS or CAPE.
• Experience must also include support of new and existing packaging operations with a proven record of continuous improvement and cost savings.  Must be able to provide examples of close collaboration with Operations, Engineering, and Quality Systems.
• Solid understanding of flexible and rigid packaging in a cheese and/or meat environment highly desired.  Demonstration of strong collaboration with material vendors is required.
• Knowledge of MAP and other forms of product preservation and their interaction with product packaging is highly desired. 

 Your Qualifications.

• Must be able to apply sound project management to realize the order, importance, and impact of appropriate project activities and maintain Packaging commitments to project scheduling.
• Must demonstrate understanding of package development process and engineering principles.
• Must demonstrate broad range of packaging materials knowledge as it relates to food packaging.
• Must demonstrate ability to design and develop primary and secondary packaging components, with minimal guidance, that meet consumer, Brand, customer, and manufacturing objectives.
• Knowledge and technical competence in package materials converting & decoration: Labels, cartons, films, tubes etc.
• Ability to assess and prevent problems from occurring with proper evaluation and testing.
• Capable of providing innovative solutions to complex problems associated with package design/engineering and manufacturing challenges.
• Must be a self-starter and assume role of credible technical packaging representative on project teams.