PACKAGING DEVELOPMENT MGR

Are you a self-driven person looking to advance your career as a high-impact player on a team? If so, we have an exciting challenge for you and your future!

At HP Hood LLC, we celebrate our differences. Our diversity of people, backgrounds, experiences, thoughts and perspectives are fostered to create an inclusive work environment. We are at our best when we respect and value each other - One Team One Company!

Our culture is built on value commitments to innovation, quality, results, integrity, community, people, and collaboration that fosters a strong employee engagement, teamwork, safety and wellness. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, wellness programs, employee discounts, 401k matches, tuition reimbursement, ongoing development, advancement opportunities and more. This position is also eligible for our bonus program.

Founded in 1846, today HP Hood is one of the largest and most trusted food and beverage manufacturers in the United States. Our portfolio of national and super-regional brands and licensed products includes Hood, Heluva Good, Lactaid, Blue Diamond Almond Breeze, Planet Oat and more.

Job Summary:

Support the Packaging Development function with oversight over ESL/Aseptic, Culture, Fluid and Ice Cream for all assigned products and categories. Work with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure packaging support, strategies and objectives are met. Develop and execute the strategies that bring in packaging innovation, production efficiencies, timely execution of packaging projects, sustainable packaging practices and clarity in packaging specifications and qualification processes. The role is also responsible for research and evaluation of potential new suppliers, changing technology advancements and delivering against Packaging Development goals and objectives. The Manager, Packaging Development will work under the direction of the Director Packaging Development and may have a Student Professional direct report to assist in Packaging Development deliverables.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Establish and lead a cross-functional team of internal stakeholders across HP Hood business who are responsible for evaluation and management of packaging projects.
• Be the central point for evaluation of new packaging requests that could originate from Sales, Marketing, Procurement or Operations for ESL/Aseptic/CFIC. After preliminary research, collaborate with cross-functional team to prioritize projects against the Packaging Development Project List.
• Responsible for timely execution of assigned packaging projects in ESL/Aseptic/CFIC and active participant in all Packaging Development activities.
• Proactively develop Packaging Specifications, Pallet Configurations both Inbound/Outboard and document within PLM defined process for universal accessibility of packaging specification.
• Manages change control documentation for changes to specifications and materials
• Analyzes engineering drawings and specifications of finished products to determine materials required for packaging, their physical characteristics, special handling requirements, environmental and safety requirements, and suitability for the application.
• Evaluate new innovative packaging concepts that help meet customer and consumer expectations.
• Contribute to Hood's efforts to reduce carbon footprint associated with Packaging. Work with Sustainability team to measure the current carbon footprint and make recommendations on ways to reduce use of packaging and increase recyclability.
• Work closely with Strategic Sourcing on evaluation of new packaging suppliers and packaging materials with the goal to reduce costs, lower lead times, improve supplier performance and meet quality expectations.
• Identify areas of opportunity to standardize materials to realize increased leverage with volume-based pricing for materials
• Partner with ESL/Aseptic/CFIC Operations on packaging equipment that would improve scalability, flexibility and efficiencies in the production processes.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, R&D, Quality and Suppliers on Packaging Testing requirements in the areas of shelf life, shipments and warehousing.
• Follow procurement policies and procedures. Help improve existing work processes with the goal of improved collaboration, efficiency and ease of execution.
• Train and mentor Packaging Development personnel with industry best practices
• Lead direct supervision with additional head count with yearly Student Professional or Full-Time employee on Project Support, Specification Development, Testing, Competitive Analysis, Cost Optimization, Consumer Complaints related to Packaging
• Location: Wilmington, R&D Location
• Up to 20% travel.
• Additional responsibilities as needed.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Engineering - Packaging, Mechanical or Mechanical or related science
• 10+ years' experience in packaging/engineering field preferably in the dairy, food and beverage (F&B) or manufacturing environment.
• Professional Certification in a related field is a plus.
• Prior Management of Packaging Development Engineers and People Development
• Project management experience or PMP certification is desirable.
• Broad knowledge of packaging materials & packaging manufacturing processes
• Broad knowledge in rigid and flexible packaging using materials like resin bottles and cups, corrugated cartons, paper cartons and labels.

Skills and Competencies:

• Take ownership and accountability for performance of packaging categories.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work with cross-functional teams.
• Results driven with innovative thinking
• Excellent oral and written skills.
• Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Proficient PC skills in Microsoft Office application like Excel, Word, Power Point and Outlook.

HP Hood is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Female/Minority/Veteran/Disabled

"VERVRAA Federal Contractor"

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.