Packaging Engineering Manager

About the role

Lidl US is searching for a Packaging Engineering Manager to join our Branding & Packaging team. This strategic and dynamic role will lead a team of analysts through the 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 is 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 internal stakeholders and external vendors to champion our packaging standards.

Responsibilities

• Effectively delegate and guide the work of 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
• Manage job details, timelines, and proactively raise questions and provide solutions within the packaging management process
• Advise Senior Manager of potential conflicts, issues, or delays to the design, implementation, production, and release of final print files
• Establish cost standards across SRP types
• Ensure the planning, controlling, monitoring, and closing of 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

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3-5 years of experience in a related field
• In lieu of degree, 5+ years of experience in a related field will meet the education and related experience requirements
• 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

Skills

• 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 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 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, SolidWorks, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications

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

Physical Requirements

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

Benefits

• Starting pay of $125,000 (with potential to earn $145,000 in the future)
• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid holiday and paid time off (PTO) to use for sickness or vacation
• Dedicated training plans to ensure success
• 401K Plan (+ 5% company match)
• Voluntary term life and AD&D insurance
• Total Well-Being Program
• DailyPay, a voluntary benefit to offer employees access to their pay on their own schedule