Packaging Manager

*THIS IS NOT A JOB WITH CONSUMER CONNECTION*

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.

*THIS IS NOT A MANUFACTURING PLANT-BASED ROLE*

3-days per week onsite

Relocation Available

What you will do:

● 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,

flexible film, corrugate, etc.

● 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 commercialization risks.

● Lead the Development and execution of packaging qualification plans, including plant

trials; reporting against predetermined key performance indicators to verify

Impact/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.

Your experience:

● 7-10 yrs. 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.

● B.S. 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, & performance tests is a plus

No visa sponsorship