Packaging Specifications Manager

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About the role

The Manager - Packaging Specifications is responsible for leading packaging specification processes and data governance while providing direct supervision and technical guidance within Packaging Engineering. This role serves as the subject matter expert for packaging specifications and ensures alignment with customer, regulatory, and sustainability requirements. The position ensures packaging meets customer requirements, regulatory expectations, and sustainability commitments while supporting new product development, commercialization, and cost optimization initiatives. The PE Spec Manager acts as a key liaison between Packaging Engineering, FSQA, Operations, Sales, Sustainability, Sourcing, and external customers, ensuring alignment across internal systems and customer portals (e.g., e-halo) and regulatory programs (e.g., EPR, CAA).

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Management - Lead, develop, and mentor packaging specification writers and/or engineers. Establish priorities, assign work, and ensure timely execution of specification deliverables. Drive a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and technical excellence. Manage performance, training, and career development of team members.
• Specification & Data Governance - Oversee the creation, validation, and maintenance of packaging specifications (e.g., materials, composition, formats) in systems (e.g., Specright, SAP, SharePoint). Standardize specification processes, templates, and data structures. Oversee vendor data collection and validation.
• Customer & Regulatory Alignment - Manage packaging data in customer portals (e.g., e-halo) and ensure compliance with requirements, sustainability disclosures, and technical documentation. Lead data readiness for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and other regulatory programs.
• Technical Compliance - Ensure specifications meet regulatory standards (e.g., PFAS/BPA disclosures) and internal governance.
• Packaging Engineering & Technical Integration - Apply packaging engineering principles to ensure specifications reflect functional, manufacturable, and cost-effective designs. Lead packaging development projects from concept to commercialization. Partner with R&D, Engineering, FSQA, and Operations to validate packaging through plant trials and testing.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration - Collaborate with FSQA, Operations, Sales, Marketing, Sourcing, and Sustainability to align packaging specifications with business needs. Act as a central resource for packaging-related technical inquiries and issue resolution.
• Continuous Improvement & Risk Management - Identify process improvements to enhance data integrity, system efficiency, and cycle times. Mitigate risks associated with inaccurate or incomplete specifications. Drive initiatives for packaging sustainability, cost efficiency, and operational performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Package Engineering or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• 5+ years of relevant experience, including 2+ years in team management/development or project leadership.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and testing.
• Experience with specification and data systems (e.g., Specright, SAP, PMDM).
• Familiarity with customer/regulatory systems (e.g., e-halo, CAA, EPR reporting).
• Understanding of sustainability reporting and packaging compliance requirements.
• Ability to interpret technical documentation, supplier data, and regulatory disclosures.
• Proven leadership, project management, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication (verbal/written) and analytical skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage competing priorities.
• Corporate environment with frequent interaction with manufacturing facilities.
• Up to 25% travel to support plant trials, audits, and implementation activities.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working with pilot plant or manufacturing equipment.

Physical Demands

• Regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Pay

The expected pay range for this position is $105,000 - $140,000 annually. Individual compensation will be determined based on scope, responsibilities, location, qualifications, experience, internal equity, market pay, and budget considerations.

Benefits

• Relocation package.
• Equity/stock opportunities.