Senior Packaging Manager, R&D

Job Overview

Join a dynamic team of scientists and engineers driving the next generation of innovation in the Future Coffee Systems. As an R&D Packaging Manager, you will join our dynamic Team leading packaging solutions for this incredible program. We are seeking candidates with a strong background in flexible packaging, and extensive experience in material science across all packaging structures. This role requires a strategic thinker with excellent packaging technical leadership abilities and a proven track record of executing complex projects on time.

• Lead and manage technical projects related to flexible and fiber packaging, ensuring timely and successful completion
• Systems thinking leader with end-to-end understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and routes to market to enable intelligent design and decision making
• Develop the next generation of packaging solutions for the Future Coffee System, that is highly sustainable, improves consumer experience, and reduces cost
• Work with key packaging vendors to identify novel materials and packaging technologies that can deliver program objectives and set multi-year pipelines focusing on high barrier sustainable novel materials
• Collaborate with our Brand Teams to design consumer-centric packaging for the first and second moment of truth, while optimizing for manufacturing, distribution and cost
• Advance the business through technical excellence, ensuring all aspects meet or exceed the quality and performance requirements within defined timelines and costs
• Manage multiple and competing timelines; provide timely communication; raise issues and risks and provide creative and robust solutions
• Identify business needs and generate ideas and concepts
• Confirm material performance and work with technicians to develop lab methods and tools for qualification and validation
• Ensure the packaging program operates within budget and cost targets as defined in the business strategy

• Salary Range: $,000
• Actual placement within the compensation range may vary depending on experience, skills, and other factors
• Benefits, subject to election and eligibility:
  Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Paid Time Off (including paid parental leave, vacation, and sick time), 401k with company match, Tuition Reimbursement, and Mileage Reimbursement
• Annual bonus based on performance and eligibility

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Material Science, Packaging, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, with 10+ years of industry experience
• In-depth understanding of material performance, lab qualification and validation
• Solid understanding of the financial impact of the packaging program, aligned with the business strategy
• Passion for packaging sustainability
• Extensive experience in flexible packaging and fiber technology in food and beverages
• Strong knowledge of material science principles and applications
• Proven leadership and project management skills
• Previous experience in a managerial or supervisory role a plus
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong understanding of circular economy, recyclability, compo stability, and reusability of packaging
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulatory requirements
• Track record of championing innovation and sustainable packaging
• Adept understanding of consumer-informed research, design, and testing methodologies
• Strong commercial acumen and technical development skills
• Change readiness, resiliency, and flexibility in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to travel: 25% or more during certain periods of time

Keurig Dr Pepper (NASDAQ: KDP) is a leading beverage company in North America, with a portfolio of more than 125 owned, licensed and partner brands and powerful distribution capabilities to provide a beverage for every need, anytime, anywhere. We operate with a differentiated business model and world‑class brand portfolio, powered by a talented and engaged team that is anchored in our values.

We work with big, exciting beverage brands and the #1 single‑serve coffee brewing system in North America at KDP, and we have fun doing it! We've…