Packaging Manager

Our high-growth CPG food client is seeking a Packaging Manager to join their hybrid team in Austin, TX. We are seeking candidates who have a deep appreciation for and understanding of what goes into picking, producing, and distributing different types of packaging—from glass jars to plastic squeezy bottles, and all the way to design elements and functionality of materials.

Relocation Available

• Responsible for the strategic oversight and delivery of a high-impact portfolio involving multiple packaging development and cost-reduction projects.
• Act as primary Packaging SME to Marketing, Procurement, Quality, R&D, suppliers, and co-manufacturers to determine packaging specifications of primary, secondary and tertiary packaging materials, which may include, but is not limited to, glass, plastic, caps, and other materials.
• Direct the development and execution of comprehensive packaging qualification plans and plant trials; overseeing the reporting against high-level KPIs to verify impact and mitigate risk of packaging changes.
• Review existing packaging and make recommendations on functional improvements and cost savings opportunities, which may include film barrier properties, fluting recommendations, pallet optimization and cube out, etc.
• Create a strategic partnership with Supply Chain and Logistics to ensure package integrity from manufacturing to end consumer.
• Serve as the lead technical authority for project teams and co-manufacturers to solve complex, systemic manufacturing problems related to packaging materials and automation.
• Cultivate and manage vendor relationships to source innovative technologies and solutions.
• Collaborate with Procurement to manage the supplier selection and RFP process for both new and existing business needs.
• Drive sustainability initiatives focused on reducing packaging material waste. This involves collaborating with internal teams and external partners to establish ambitious goals and deliver measurable results.
• Direct the strategy for adhering to complex and evolving retailer packaging specifications across all distribution channels.
• Oversee the technical integrity of the packaging graphics process, including final approval of dielines, artwork specifications, and completion of other documentation needed throughout the commercialization process.
• Develop, grow, and lead the packaging engineering team by training, mentoring, and managing a growing group of packaging engineers. The goal is to build a highly skilled, collaborative, and innovative team capable of designing, testing, and implementing sustainable, cost-effective, and robust packaging solutions that meet quality standards and support the company's long-term product and sustainability objectives.
• Travel an average of 40% of the time to lead critical line trials and support the testing of new packaging materials and the commercialization of new and improved products.

• 7-10 years of experience in packaging operations or related field of work is required.
• 2+ years of experience managing direct reports or leading significant cross-functional teams.
• BS in Packaging Engineering, Science, Mechanical Engineering, or similar degree preferred; 10+ years of experience as a packaging engineer in food CPG may be substituted.
• CPG experience (preferably food manufacturing) with a broad range of packaging formats, materials, equipment, and performance tests is a plus.