Summary
The Packaging Category Lead serves as the technical & commercial packaging expert for North America, providing leadership in packaging design, development, commercialization, and performance optimization across all packaging categories. This role partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and suppliers to implement innovative packaging solutions that improve product protection, manufacturing efficiency, sustainability, and total cost. While maintaining responsibility for strategic supplier relationships and designated procurement activities, the primary focus of the role is advancing packaging technology, driving innovation, and supporting business growth through technical packaging expertise.
Duties and Responsibilities
Packaging Engineering & Technology Leadership (Primary Focus)
• Serve as the technical packaging SME across all USA entities followed by alignment and rollout across South American entities .
• Lead packaging development, optimization, qualification, and cost management for corrugated, rigid plastic, and flexible packaging.
• Partner with R&D, Quality, Operations, and Sustainability teams to improve packaging performance, manufacturability, sustainability, and total cost.
• Challenge and harmonize packaging specifications, standards, and material selections across regions.
• Drive packaging innovation initiatives, including recyclability, recycled content, carbon reduction, and new materials.
• Lead packaging trials, supplier qualifications, and implementation of new packaging solutions.
• Monitor packaging technologies, market trends, and regulatory requirements while providing technical expertise to the business.
Category Leadership & Strategic Sourcing
• Lead the packaging agenda for U.S. operations and support alignment across South America.
• Develop and execute category strategies for corrugated, rigid plastics, and flexible plastics.
• Create multi-year roadmaps focused on innovation, sustainability, supply continuity, and cost competitiveness.
• Analyze spend and supplier data to identify optimization and standardization opportunities.
• Lead sourcing events, negotiations, and supplier selection activities.
• Act as International Lead Buyer (ILB) for assigned packaging categories.
Supplier & Cross-Functional Leadership
• Manage strategic supplier relationships and performance across cost, quality, service, innovation, and sustainability.
• Develop supplier strategies and risk mitigation plans to ensure supply continuity.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Operations, Quality, R&D, and Sustainability teams to execute packaging initiatives.
• Serve as the key link between Group Procurement and regional stakeholders.
Accountabilities
• Deliver packaging technology, innovation, and sustainability roadmaps across the Americas.
• Achieve cost, quality, service, and sustainability objectives.
• Drive packaging specification optimization and standardization.
• Manage strategic supplier partnerships and sourcing governance.
• Provide technical, commercial, and market expertise for packaging materials and technologies.
Qualifications
Required qualifications, skills, and experience for the job; education background, certifications, relevant work experience, technical skills, and soft skills.
Education & Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Food Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of packaging engineering, packaging development, or packaging technology experience.
• Experience in food, dairy, beverage, consumer packaged goods, or manufacturing environments.
• Experience leading packaging qualification, validation, and cost optimization projects.
• Strong understanding of packaging materials, package performance, and manufacturing processes.
Preferred
• Certified Packaging Professional (CPP).
• Experience supporting packaging operations in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working directly with packaging suppliers to develop new materials and technologies.
• Experience with sustainability-driven packaging initiatives.
• Procurement or strategic sourcing experience.
Food safety & Regulatory Knowledge
• Knowledge of food safety standards and regulatory requirements
• Familiarity with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles
• Understanding of labeling regulations and compliance requirements
Benefits
• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Basic Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Flexible spending accounts & Health Savings Accounts
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short term/Long term disability
• Volunteer time off (VTO)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Pet insurance
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