Senior Manager, Packaging
Responsibilities
- Scope development and initiation of innovation, renovation, sustainability, business continuity/capacity expansion and productivity projects.
- Partner with Operations and Procurement to identify and deliver multi-year packaging pipelines, according to Danone NA Business Goals.
- Partner with Brand to integrate packaging innovation into strategic growth plans to meet business unit objectives.
- Lead development, execution, and optimization of processes and documentation to better identify, mitigate and communicate developmental risks and to enhance technical rigor of the packaging development approach, to ensure a right-first-time output that exceeds consumer expectations.
- Collaborate with User Experience department to build consumer testing protocols to inform innovation launches and specification development.
- Develop future packaging roadmaps inclusive of innovation, productivity, and sustainability goals and align with key stakeholders.
- Manage a team of packaging engineers to ensure all projects delivered in scope and on time.
- Ensure development of new technical & material concepts for packaging solutions via collaboration with internal and external experts to drive value and growth within programs.
- Collaborate with companywide packaging internal network to drive program efficiencies and share best practices.
- Collaborate with Procurement to introduce new capacity as needed, and with Operations to unlock new supply/manufacturing options.
- Drive the selection of key new vendors and maintain strong relationships, partnering with Procurement to continuously identify and deliver on packaging ideas.
- Collaborate closely with all relevant stakeholders to support operational excellence within launch initiatives across both internal and external manufacturing facilities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree minimum, master’s degree in sciences or engineering ideal (Packaging, Mechanical, Chemical or related engineering science)
- 7+ years’ experience in a packaging engineering field (preferably in the food or beverage industry)
- Demonstrated Leadership in cross functional teams involving operations, supply chain, procurement, PMO.
- Technical competency with rigid plastics (PS, PP, PET, HDPE), flexibles (lids, pouches, sachets) and paper-based packaging (corrugated, compact, liquid paper packaging)
- Extensive experience designing solutions for sustainability and improved package recyclability
- Experience in the use of statistical tools for problem solving a plus
- Demonstrated ability to deliver results by working autonomously with minimal supervision
- Ability to create a roadmap for short term and long-term results
- Ability to efficiently balance strategic thinking and technical expertise/deep dive
- Excellent Project Management skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent business skills and understanding of the levers of R&D
- Ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders
- Self-starter, autonomous and demonstrated ability to bring new unsolicited ideas
- Ability to deliver continuous improvement in ways of working, to drive technical rigor
- Ability to travel approximately 25%
Qualifications
Preferred qualifications include:
- Master's degree in Sciences or Engineering
- Experience in the food or beverage industry
- Leadership experience in cross-functional teams
- Technical competency with various types of packaging materials
- Experience in sustainability and recycling
- Statistical problem-solving skills
- Strong project management skills
- Effective communication and business acumen
- Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
- Travel requirements of up to 25%
Skills
- Project Management
- Communication
- Business Acumen
- Leadership
- Technical Competency
- Sustainability and Recycling
- Statistical Problem-Solving
Benefits
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Prescription Drug Coverage
- 401(k) Plan
- Wellness Program
- Life Insurance
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Flexible Time Off
- Paid Parental Bonding Leave
Pay
The salary range for this position is $118,000-169,000 USD. The exact salary offered will depend on several factors, including the candidate’s relevant experience, geographic location, internal equity, and market conditions.
Schedule
This role is considered a “hybrid” position that allows for flexible work, meaning it is a role where collaboration with key stakeholders in Danone Hubs occurs. While you may have the option to work from home on a schedule as agreed to with your supervisor, you are also expected to regularly report to your assigned office location at least 3 days per week.
About the Role
At Danone North America, we are committed to making a positive impact on our world. Our purpose is to bring health through food to as many people as possible. We are proud to be the world’s largest B Corp.
Company Information
With approximately 5,000 employees and 13 production locations across the U.S., our vibrant culture and endless growth opportunities are just a couple of the reasons our employees call themselves “Proud Danoners.”
Our Brands
We work with some of the best-known food and beverage brands in the world, including Activia®, DanActive®, Danimals®, Dannon®, evian®, Follow Your Heart®, Happy Family® Organics, International Delight®, Light + Fit®, Nutricia ®, Oikos®, Silk®, So Delicious® Dairy Free, STōK® Cold Brew Coffee ®, Too Good & Co™, and YoCrunch®.
Equal Opportunity Employer
At Danone North America, we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial and/or local law. For our EEO policy statement and your EEO rights under law click here.