Location: Hackensack, NJ (2-3 days per week in the office)
Commuting Support: Shuttle service available from NYC
Salary: $120,000-$130,000
About the RoleAs Packaging R&D Manager - Plant Cheese, you will deploy the regional packaging strategy across our fast-growing Plant Cheese portfolio. Working closely with regional and global experts, you will lead packaging initiatives from concept through commercialization, helping to deliver innovative, sustainable, and consumer-focused solutions that support Flora Food Group's growth ambitions.
This is an exciting opportunity for a packaging professional who is passionate about innovation, enjoys working cross-functionally, and wants to make a meaningful impact in a business where packaging is recognized as a key strategic growth enabler.
What You'll Do- Lead packaging projects aligned with the regional Plant Cheese packaging roadmap.
- Drive packaging innovation, renovation, sustainability, and productivity initiatives from concept through launch.
- Deliver margin improvement opportunities while ensuring packaging quality, compliance, and performance requirements are met.
- Manage end-to-end packaging development activities across the Plant Cheese portfolio.
- Partner closely with Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality, Operations, and R&D teams to successfully commercialize new packaging solutions.
- Collaborate with external suppliers, material providers, converters, and development partners to bring innovative packaging ideas to market.
- Evaluate emerging packaging technologies, materials, and industry trends to identify future opportunities.
- Support the ongoing optimization of existing packaging formats while balancing consumer, brand, commercial, and manufacturing needs.
- Ensure packaging solutions are scalable, sustainable, and fit for purpose across our supply network.
About You- Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Food Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.
- 3+ years of experience in Packaging R&D, Packaging Development, or Product Development within FMCG/CPG.
- Passionate about packaging and the role it plays in driving innovation, sustainability, and consumer experience.
- Proven ability to lead packaging development projects and deliver results across multiple priorities.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience working across functions including Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality, and R&D.
- Comfortable working autonomously and taking ownership of projects from concept through commercialization.
- Experience supporting existing product portfolios while driving innovation, cost optimization, and business growth.
- Understanding of packaging development processes, including collaboration with design agencies, engineering consultancies, toolmakers, material suppliers, and converters.
- Commercially minded with the ability to balance consumer and brand needs alongside technical and manufacturing requirements.
- Entrepreneurial and curious, with a willingness to challenge convention, explore new ideas, and bring fresh thinking to the business.
- Most importantly, you're someone who brings energy, initiative, and a genuine enthusiasm for packaging innovation and continuous improvement.
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