The Packaging Engineer will report to the Senior Director of Manufacturing & Quality and will be the internal expert on all packaging related projects and responsibilities. As the Packaging Engineer, you will be an integral part of a team focused on quality, procurement, innovation, efficiency, and cost saving initiatives. This role is cross functional in nature, working closely with internal teams consisting of Quality & Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Innovation, Marketing, Sales, and Finance as well as several external co-packer and repack partners across the United States.
Responsibilities
The core responsibilities of this role are to be the internal expert on all packaging-related matters.
Packaging Quality and Specifications
- Lead packaging material qualifications and support Manufacturing & Quality Departments on vendor quality audits.
- Lead identification and resolution of packaging material complaints and issues as required.
- Coordinate testing as required at third party laboratories or co-packing partners.
- Develop and maintain Packaging Material Specifications and documentation for assigned projects.
- Develop and maintain packaging test methods and operational procedures.
- Rigorously investigate packaging material deficiencies, develop corrective actions, and follow through on implementation of corrective actions.
Packaging Material Vendor Relations
- Serve as key technical point of contact for package material vendors (cartons, corrugate, aluminum cans, etc.).
- Support Sourcing, Innovation, and Supply Chain initiatives for supply continuity and risk management by providing input to RFP process and conducting new vendor qualifications.
- Assist in identifying and vetting potential suppliers.
- Develop quality scorecards for each packaging vendor.
Innovation
- Work with innovation team to manage the development and commercialization of new packaging materials, technologies, and systems.
Co-packer & Repacker Liaison
- Support Spindrift’s network of external, 3rd party primary fillers / copackers located across the country with packaging and packaging equipment related issues.
- Lead the commissioning of and provide ongoing support of Spindrift’s re-packing partners.
- Identify opportunities for capital improvement projects at third parties and lead projects.
Cost Savings
- Lead the identification and implementation of Gross Margin improvement opportunities related to packaging materials and packaging operations.
- Understand the performance versus cost implications of packaging materials and identify alternatives.
Internal Packaging Expert
- Stay abreast of new technologies through networking, trade shows, and professional organizations.
- Identify and exploit new packaging technologies to bring competitive advantage and/or superior consumer experience.
- Serve as lead for sustainable packaging activities and customer scorecard requirements.
Requirements
Skills:
- Effectively participates in cross-functional teams.
- Strong project management skills.
- Ability to collaborate and build relationships with internal & external teams.
- Passion for process development and continuous improvement.
- Ability to work independently.
- Attention to detail with good follow through.
- Strong technical and analytical skills.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple high priority objectives.
Experience/Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Packaging/Packaging Science or related field.
- 3-5 years of experience within the beverage industry.
- Broad base packaging material knowledge including aluminum cans, labels, corrugated cartons, paperboard cartons and carriers, adhesives, and stretch film. Aluminum can experience is a must.
- Experience and exposure to a variety of high-speed beverage packaging equipment including de-palletizers, rinsers, fillers, pasteurizers, labelers, case packers, and palletizers.
Travel
- ~25% travel required. Boston based preferred but not required.
Benefits
The salary range for this position is $80,000 to $100,000 and is dependent upon the candidate’s experience prior to joining Spindrift. In addition, we offer the following compensation and benefits:
- Short-term and long-term incentive programs specific to level and department
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with a current employer contribution rate of 80% towards monthly premiums, regardless of plan type selected
- Company-paid life insurance, and a 401k retirement savings plan
- Monthly cell phone allowance
- Annual allowances for personal use of Spindrift product, health and wellness, professional development, and social justice education
- A host of voluntary benefits including but not limited to additional life insurance, short-term disability and long-term disability insurance, pet insurance, commuter benefits, etc.
- In addition to any paid leave benefits required by regulation, the company provides paid parental leave, vacation, sick, personal, bereavement, community service, and holiday time.
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Last updated on Jul 10, 2024