Packaging Engineer- Value Improvement & Sustainability

Ferrero•Chicago, IL

37d•$93,000 - $126,528

About The Position

As a Packaging Program Engineer, you'll lead Value Improvement and Sustainability initiatives across Ferrero's North American portfolio - including iconic brands like Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, Butterfinger, Baby Ruth, and Keebler Cookies. Reporting to the R&D Packaging Sustainability and Value Improvement Manager, you'll scope, evaluate, and manage key packaging programs that drive cost efficiency, operational excellence, and environmental impact reduction. This role plays a pivotal part in Ferrero's sustainability journey, helping ensure our packaging is Designed for Recycling, supporting data-driven decision-making, and advancing progress toward our global sustainability goals.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Materials Science, or Engineering.
Minimum 5 years of experience in packaging development within the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry.
Strong knowledge of structural packaging design, materials, and manufacturing processes.
Proven experience in sustainability-driven packaging design and data/reporting management.
Excellent project management, problem-solving, and communication skills; capable of leading cross-functional initiatives without direct authority.
Collaborative, adaptable, and curious mindset - comfortable working in a global, fast-paced, and matrixed environment.
Hands-on experience with MS Office Suite.

Responsibilities

Assess current packaging materials, designs, and processes to identify opportunities for cost savings, efficiency gains, and environmental improvement without compromising quality or performance.
Co-lead ideation sessions with production sites, suppliers, and cross-functional partners to generate, evaluate, and implement value improvement and cost-optimization projects.
Track and document optimization initiatives, maintaining clear records and reporting results to stakeholders to ensure transparency and alignment with business priorities.
Develop tools, systems, and programs that enhance visibility, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making across teams.
Co-lead and align packaging sustainability initiatives across North America, ensuring local execution reflects global policies, standards, and long-term strategy.
Explore and pilot new packaging solutions and technologies that improve recyclability, operational efficiency, and overall consumer experience.
Monitor emerging trends, technologies, and competitor practices to identify innovative and cost-effective packaging strategies that advance sustainability goals.
Collect, analyze, and report packaging sustainability data to support annual reporting, KPI tracking, and performance assessments.
Collaborate cross-functionally and globally with R&D, Operations, Procurement, and Central Sustainability teams to ensure best-practice sharing and consistent execution.