OverviewWho we're looking forToyota's Supply Chain Strategy (SCS) Manufacturing Parts Operations (MPO) Packaging Department is looking for a passionate and highly motivated Senior Packaging Engineer.
The primary responsibility of this role is to lead the development and operation of Toyota's first Packaging Processing Center, driving the reuse, refurbishment, and optimization of packaging assets through Toyota's P5R strategy (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle). This role will be instrumental in reducing packaging costs, minimizing environmental impact, and advancing Toyota's sustainability objectives while supporting manufacturing and service parts operations.
Reporting to the Packaging Manager, Supply Chain Development & Optimization, the person in this role will support Toyota's objective to improve environmental stewardship, reduce packaging spend, maximize asset utilization, and create innovative packaging solutions across North America.
What you'll be doing- Lead the startup, operation, and continuous improvement of Toyota's Packaging Processing Center, creating standards, processes, and long-term strategic direction.
- Develop and execute packaging recovery, refurbishment, and reutilization strategies utilizing Toyota's P5R framework to reduce total packaging cost and landfill waste.
- Manage complex cross-functional projects involving Manufacturing Operations, Service Parts, Accessories, Suppliers, Fabricators, Logistics Providers, and Environmental teams.
- Analyze packaging inventories, transportation networks, and packaging life cycle data to identify opportunities for cost reduction and sustainability improvements.
- Collaborate with Toyota manufacturing plants (NAMCs), Service Parts Centers, and supplier partners to maximize reusable packaging utilization.
- Lead packaging engineering studies and packaging design evaluations to determine optimal reuse, repair, modification, or replacement strategies.
- Develop business cases, KPI dashboards, governance processes, and executive-level reporting supporting sustainability and cost reduction objectives.
- Build strong relationships with suppliers, packaging fabricators, manufacturing customers, service parts operations, and purchasing partners to create scalable and sustainable packaging solutions.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement initiatives through benchmarking, pilot programs, emerging technologies, and industry best practices.
- Support achievement of Toyota's environmental goals by implementing circular economy principles throughout packaging operations.
What you bring- Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain, or related technical field, and/or 2+ years of equivalent work experience in these fields.
- 2+ years of experience in reusable automotive packaging, packaging engineering, logistics engineering, or supply chain optimization.
- 2+ years of experience in project management leading cross-functional initiatives from concept through implementation.
- Strong understanding of automotive returnable packaging systems and manufacturing supply chain operations.
- Experience working with reusable steel racks, resin containers, bulk packaging systems, and expendable packaging solutions.
- Knowledge of packaging standards utilized within automotive manufacturing and distribution environments.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with internal and external business partners.
- Proven ability to analyze data, develop business cases, and drive measurable cost reductions and operational improvements.
Added bonus if you have- Automotive packaging experience supporting NAMCs, Service Parts Operations, and/or supplier packaging development programs.
- Experience leading environmental sustainability, circular economy, waste reduction, or packaging reutilization initiatives.
- Knowledge of packaging fabrication processes, material selection, and manufacturing methods for both steel rack systems and resin-based containers.
- Experience with packaging asset management systems, RFID technology, packaging tracking, or returnable container management programs.
- PMP certification or equivalent project management training.
- Experience leading startup operations, pilot facilities, or first-of-kind business initiatives.
- Advanced skills in Power BI, data analytics, cost modeling, and packaging network optimization.
What we'll bring During your interview process, our team can fill you in on all the details of our industry-leading benefits and career development opportunities. A few highlights include:
- A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
- Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career, as well as tuition reimbursement
- Team Member Vehicle Purchase Discount
- Toyota Team Member Lease Vehicle Program (if applicable)
- Comprehensive health care and wellness plans for your entire family
- Toyota 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match, as well as an annual retirement contribution from Toyota regardless of whether you contribute (if applicable)
- Paid holidays and paid time off
- Referral services related to prenatal services, adoption, childcare, schools and more
- Tax Advantaged Accounts (Health Savings Account, Health Care FSA, Dependent Care FSA)
- Relocation assistance (if applicable)
