Packaging Engineering Manager

Primary Purpose: The Packaging Engineering Manager will lead a team to design, develop, and optimize packaging solutions, balance product protection, user experience, cost, and sustainability. Key responsibilities for this position include managing packaging projects from concept to commercialization, collaborating with cross-functional teams, sourcing materials and suppliers, ensuring regulatory compliance, supporting sustainability initiatives and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and mentor a packaging engineer, providing guidance, performance feedback, and fostering a collaborative environment.
• Develop strategic plans and execute innovative packaging solutions that meet product requirements, considering factors like cost, safety, and environmental impact.
• Lead and conduct tests/line trials on packaging concepts to ensure packaging can withstand various conditions such as temperature changes, transportation, and storage.
• Oversee the design and development of primary, secondary and tertiary packaging for new and existing products, considering factors like product integrity, sustainability, user experience, and brand alignment.
• Conduct packaging performance tests and identify areas of improvements for packaging solutions.
• Analyze and select appropriate materials for packaging based on durability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.
• Work closely with project management, sustainability, innovation, engineering, marketing, regulatory and operation teams to understand and meet packaging needs.
• Ensure integrity of packaging is maintained through production, transportation, storage, and end users.
• Partner with purchasing and production departments to determine costs and feasibility of producing proposed packaging.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key packaging suppliers to leverage their knowledge, capabilities, and stay updated on industry developments.

Education, Qualities and Skills Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science or other related field
• 6-10+ years of experience in packaging engineering
• Food industry experience preferred
• CAPES certification is a plus
• Demonstrated experience of packaging development process (materials knowledge, performance testing, critical factors to consider in design, specification determination, etc.)
• Strong knowledge of materials science, including plastics, film, PET, corrugated and paper
• TOPS or other software solutions for packaging, palletization and loading of trucks/containers
• Proficiency with CAD drawings and programs
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to motivate, guide, and develop a team.
• Experience managing vendor relationships
• Strong collaboration, problem solving and analytical skills, in addition to a innovate, creative thinker
• Project management skills - able to move projects forward, manage timelines/deadlines, engage the right resources, etc.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position will have a direct report.

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. Typical office working environment which includes a workstation equipped with a computer and other office supplies necessary for daily tasks. Typically climate-controlled to provide a comfortable working temperature year-round. Lighting is usually a mix of natural and artificial sources to ensure sufficient illumination

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time salaried position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday. Expectations of 45 hours per week, to be worked during normal business hours. This position is fully on-site in Elgin, IL.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements for an office environment typically include:

1. Sitting: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or workstation.
2. Typing: Frequent use of hands to type on a keyboard and operate a computer mouse.
3. Visual Requirements: Extended periods of viewing a computer screen and reading printed or digital documents.
4. Mobility: Occasional walking or standing, including moving between different areas of the office.
5. Manual Dexterity: The ability to handle office equipment, such as phones, printers, and copiers, and to file documents.
6. Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills for interacting with colleagues, clients, and vendors.
7. Lifting: Occasionally lifting and carrying light objects, typically up to 20 pounds, such as files, documents, or office supplies.
8. Reaching and Bending: Reaching above shoulder height and bending to access files and office supplies.
9. Hearing: Adequate hearing ability to participate in meetings and teleconferences.

These requirements ensure that employees can perform their duties effectively and safely within an office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Compensation and Benefits:

The budgeted salary range for this position is $130,000-$160,000, with a 12.5% annual bonus potential.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with 4.5% employer contribution
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee wellness programs

Salary range is based on consideration of required qualifications, experience, education, skill, training, certifications or seniority, etc. Schuman Cheese reserves the right to offer the selected candidate or applicant an hourly rate or salary at an appropriate level to be set and determined by Schuman Cheese that is commensurate with the applicant's qualifications, experience, education, skill, training, certifications or seniority.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work and may not include all the duties required of the position.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Schuman Cheese does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be held liable for recruiter fees associated with