Purpose of Position:Del Monte Foods is the Foods Division of Fresh Del Monte, a global grower, producer and marketer of fresh, value-added, and shelf-stable produce. Del Monte Foods has a powerful portfolio of brands, including the iconic Del Monte®, Contadina® and S&W®. We are currently seeking a Lead Packaging Engineer.
The Lead Packaging Engineer provides technical packaging expertise for new product development, cost optimization, quality improvements, brand renovation and packaging legislation/ sustainability projects. The Lead Packaging Engineer is a vocal thought leader that provides technical and business recommendations to influence cross-functional leaders in evaluating business opportunities, understanding available technologies, and assessing risks. The Lead Packaging Engineer plans, communicates, and initiates the roll-out of new technology platforms across or within a business unit. The Lead Packaging Engineer works independently with cross-functional leaders on key company initiatives.
Accountabilities:- Manage daily packaging design and optimization projects for assigned product categories.
- Oversee all aspects of package development and validation, managing the work plans for project assigned
- Manages technically complex projects and multiple projects simultaneously.
- Lead packaging development (primary, secondary, & shipment / transportation) and propose changes across existing product lines (improvements in quality, productivity, and cost optimization).
- Minimize schedule and technical risk by foreseeing and addressing obstacles proactively and aggressively while effectively managing resources.
- Communicate and collaborate with all stakeholders and other functions (R&D Teams, Quality, Operations, & Procurement) to ensure project objectives are clearly defined and achieved.
- Investigates and champions new packaging technologies including materials, processes and equipment.
- Recognized as subject matter expert and technical packaging leader.
- Collaborates with material and equipment vendors to identify solutions for new package options.
- Independently leads plant trials and Commissioning runs.
- Leads root causes analysis with cross-functional resources and external resources and ensure corrective actions are implemented and documented.
- Shares technical trends and developments in the packaging and food industry with Packaging Team.
- Works with external resources to create solutions that help increase confidence and reduce risk in business decisions, such as SLAs, digitally printed labels, etc.
- Identify potential intellectual property issues and ensure Legal assessment.
- Provides packaging specifications and associated work procedures to maintain customer quality requirements.
- Document PDM specifications and recipes, project updates and other critical project documents
- Travels independently to plant and vendor locations domestically & internationally, sometimes for extended periods.
- Other duties in support of evolving business and functional needs.
Minimum Skills Required:- Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or comparable field of study.
- 5-10 years of experience in an analytical function required.
- Strong understanding of packaging materials, processes, and equipment.
- Solid understanding of manufacturing processes.
- Proven ability to troubleshoot problems.
- Sound knowledge and experience in SAP, specifications, and bill of materials.
- Strong collaboration/ teamwork and communication skills.
- Completes work accurately and completely with high attention to detail.
- Experience in fast moving consumer products or businesses that require supporting high quality, short lead time, marketing / customer driven initiatives
- Proficient in the use of MS Office software including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to work independently and in team environment
- Ability to work on cross function team including sales, marketing, engineering, product R&D, Operations, & Co-Pack manufacturing
- Solid understanding of palletizing programs (e.g., TOPS, CAPE)
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Able to manage priorities effectively
- Team spirit, rigor, creativity and versatility
- Previous Consumer Packaged Goods experience a plus
- Adobe Illustrator and CAD software experience preferred.
- Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.
***Please note: This position does not qualify for relocation expenses.*** 
