Packaging Development Specialist

Nestle Operational Services Worldwide SA•Fremont, MI

About The Position

The Packaging Development Specialist role is the technical lead on highly complex projects to identify solutions, deliver innovation and renovation portfolio, and optimization/improvement projects. This role partners with Marketing to leverage and translate consumer insight into project pipelines. They represent the Technical Application Group (TAG) as subject matter expert for packaging and packaging process to transfer knowledge. They must also collaborate internally and externally to build relationships in order to continuously improve technical skills and personal development. They may also serve as Single Point of Contact for key factories for packaging related inquiries.

Requirements

A BS or MS degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Packaging Science, Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
Highly motivated, critical thinker, goal oriented and easily adapts to change.
Ability to work in a fast paced, high performing, and inclusive environment with no supervision.
Ability to provide technical coaching and mentorship to individuals as well as training others in a group setting.
Exceptional organizational skills & ability to manage multiple projects and assignments.
Strong communication skills: interpersonal, presentation, oral and written.
Computer Skills: Microsoft Office applications: Excel, Power Point, Word, Project.

Nice To Haves

SAP & CAPE Palletization Program

Responsibilities

Implementation of Innovation & Renovation strategy for the supported product categories in the market.
Leverage technical experience, R&D and external industry insights to develop, implement, and execute creative packaging development activities (e.g. Packaging Design Lab, testing facilities, vendor sites, and internal/external factory) to achieve project goals and deadlines to delight the consumer.
Develop packaging solutions within manufacturing capabilities and leverage deep understanding of material and packaging process to ensure proposals meet the project requirements.
Ensure any packaging prototypes presented have a path to execution.
Proactively identify risks and develop mitigation strategies in partnership with project teams.
Autonomously collaborate and influence internal and external project teams (Teams are made up of R&D, Product Developers, Project Managers, Quality, Regulatory, Engineering, Packaging, Factories, Marketing, Co-Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Supply Chain, etc.) to develop, industrialize, and launch on a range of Innovation and Renovation projects including highly complex and large scale initiatives that impact multiple production sites.
Provide working equipment / packaging knowledge, guidance, and support to the Factory / R&D / Engineering resources during the development of new technology and processes.
Responsible for creating and ensuring the accuracy of necessary packaging documentation for all assigned projects which can include e-form submission, packaging specification, compliance documentation, trial requests and reports, Finished Good documentation, etc.
Lead a wide variety of complex technical packaging projects, including technical assistance, sourcing, quality improvements, compliance, and productivity cost savings. This includes establishing and managing timelines, uncovering roadblocks, defining critical paths, identifying resource constraints and navigating ambiguity with autonomy.
Understands how to seek assistance from relevant stakeholders or Subject Matter Experts and proactively engages them when required.
Incorporate consumer, customer, or other insights into winning packaging ideas.
Ensure packaging performance at the Factory through a robust trial and qualification process.
Plans for success, anticipating issues and mitigating impact of issues proactively.
Define, develop, and coach the competencies and training materials required for packaging/packaging process mastership to enable manufacturing excellence. This includes knowledge and packaging expertise in both material and production process.
Leads knowledge transfer to build capability and process mastery within the factory and TAG.
Serve as a Certified Trainer in one or more competency areas.
Leverages understanding of key packaging compliance standards and documentation needs to complete necessary documentation (CoC’s, DoC’s, etc.).
Appropriately engages partner functions with minimal coaching to resolve documentation issues.
Autonomously and proactively identify potential packaging related issues leveraging digital tools, routines, and other resources. Engage relevant functions to resolve potential issues.
Provide TAG expertise, especially in the areas of packaging material, equipment, and line performance to ensure consistent production of high-quality products for the consumer.
Serve as initial point of contact for assigned factories and facilitate resolution of packaging issues related to material or design.