Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Food Science, Materials Science, Engineering, or related field preferred.
3-7+ years of experience in packaging within food manufacturing or consumer goods.
3+ years of project management experience required.
Experience working in a manufacturing environment and supporting plant operations.
Strong knowledge of packaging materials, food packaging requirements, and testing methods.
Responsibilities
Serve as the internal subject matter expert on packaging materials.
Lead packaging-related R&D and improvement projects from concept through commercialization.
Work closely with packaging equipment specialists to execute line trials and testing activities.
Identify opportunities to improve packaging performance and enhance sustainability.
Partner with operations and suppliers to support packaging initiatives.
Benefits
Opportunity to work in a hands-on, collaborative environment.
Ability to contribute to innovative packaging solutions.
Engagement in continuous improvement initiatives across the manufacturing floor.
Work directly with cross-functional teams leading significant projects.
Support for professional development and potential project management certification.
Full Job Description
POSITION TITLE: Packaging Project ManagerPOSITION STATUS: Full-Time, Permanent, ExemptLOCATION: Liberty, SCDEPARTMENT: R&DREPORT TO: Simone Bauwens, Director of R&D And Business DevelopmentEFFECTIVE DATE: May 2026
Primary Responsibilities
1) Packaging Expertise and Material Strategy
Serve as the internal subject matter expert on packaging materials.
Define and promote best practices for packaging material selection based on product protection, shelf life, manufacturability, cost, and sustainability.
Evaluate new packaging technologies and recommend improvements aligned with business goals.
Partner with procurement to identify, evaluate, and qualify new materials and suppliers.
2) Project Management and R&D
Lead packaging-related R&D and improvement projects from concept through commercialization.
Develop and manage project timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of projects.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
3) Testing, Validation, and Implementation
Work closely with packaging equipment specialists and plant teams to execute line trials and testing activities.
Design and oversee packaging trials including performance, shelf-life, and transportation testing.
Analyze test results and translate findings into clear, actionable next steps.
Ensure successful implementation of packaging changes into production.
4) Continuous Improvement and Optimization
Identify opportunities to improve packaging performance, reduce cost, and enhance sustainability.
Drive initiatives to optimize material usage, reduce waste, and improve efficiency.
Support troubleshooting of packaging-related issues on the production floor.
5) Cross-Functional Collaboration and Documentation
Partner with operations, engineering, quality, procurement, and suppliers to support packaging initiatives.
Communicate project updates, risks, and results to leadership.
Maintain accurate documentation for trials, specifications, test protocols, observations, and project progress.
Create items in the ERP system, follow up with other collaborators on their contributions and lead clearance meetings to launch new items.
compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements related to packaging.
Core Competencies
Drive High Performance: Establishes clear accountability for outcomes. Demonstrates focus and discipline in planning and execution. Acts with speed, agility and demonstrates a sense of urgency to keep momentum.
Collaborate: Builds and maintains strong relationships and makes commitments to others and follows through. Actively listens and communicates openly. Engages constructively in debates. Supports and executes decisions once made.
Can-do attitude: Demonstrates a positive, solution-focused approach, actively seeks out opportunities to improve processes, and readily tackles challenges with resilience and enthusiasm. Thrives in dynamic environments and is motivated by delivering impactful results.
Innovate: Challenges the status quo by pro-actively identifying opportunities for improvement. encourages sharing best practices, creativity, and experimentation; learns from setbacks and adapts quickly.
Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Exhibits precision and thoroughness, consistently producing reliable work. Demonstrates diligence in reviewing data, identifying discrepancies promptly, and ensuring adherence to high standards of quality and compliance.
Qualifications Education
Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Food Science, Materials Science, Engineering, or related field preferred.
Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Experience
3-7+ years of experience in packaging, preferably within food manufacturing or consumer goods.
5+ years progressive project management experience required.
Proven experience managing projects and leading cross-functional initiatives.
Experience working in a manufacturing environment and supporting plant operations.
Knowledge and Certifications
Basic understanding of food labeling regulatory requirements.
Strong knowledge of packaging materials, food packaging requirements, and testing methods.
Familiarity with packaging equipment, line trials, and commercialization processes.
Knowledge of sustainability trends and recyclable/alternative materials is a plus.
PMP or other project management certification is a plus.
Skills and Competencies
Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and drive decisions.
Effective communication and ability to influence without direct authority.
High degree of proficiency in MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications.
