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 2026Primary Responsibilities1) 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.
QualificationsEducation - 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.
- Strong documentation and follow-through.
- Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management (from conception to completion), & planning skills
Physical/Working Conditions & Decision-Making AuthorityPhysical/Working Conditions- Regular presence on the manufacturing floor.
- Ability to walk the facility, climb stairs, and stand for extended periods.
- May occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
- Must be able to wear required PPE and work in production environments with noise, temperature variation, and moving equipment.
- May work flexible hours to support trials, testing, and project implementation.
Decision-Making/Authority- Recommends packaging materials, specifications, and process improvements.
- Leads packaging-related project decisions within scope.
- Has authority to initiate and coordinate trials and testing activities.
- Escalates risks, delays, and major decisions to leadership as needed.
Success ProfileA successful Packaging Project Manager:
- Drives packaging projects from concept to successful implementation.
- Improves packaging performance, cost efficiency, and sustainability.
- Builds strong partnerships with operations, engineering, and suppliers.
- Translates technical data into practical, plant-ready solutions.
- Brings a balance of technical expertise and hands-on execution to the manufacturing floor.
