Packaging Project Manager

Cerelia Bakery Canada LP•Liberty, SC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Cérélia’s Frozen Breakfast Business Unit – US Waffle – is driving an ambitious growth strategy supported by its manufacturing facilities in Liberty, South Carolina and Hazelwood, Missouri. To support continued expansion and product innovation at our Liberty facility, we are seeking a skilled and driven Packaging Project Manager to join our team. We are looking for a hands-on, technically strong, and highly collaborative professional who will serve as our internal expert on packaging materials and lead packaging-related R&D and improvement initiatives. This role is ideal for someone who combines deep knowledge of packaging materials and food applications with strong project management capabilities and a practical, plant-focused mindset. This is not a purely strategic role. The Packaging Project Manager will be highly engaged on the production floor, working closely with packaging equipment specialists, operations teams, and suppliers to test, validate, and implement new packaging solutions. The role requires the ability to translate testing data into clear, actionable recommendations that drive results. The successful candidate will lead packaging innovation projects, support material optimization efforts, and collaborate cross-functionally to improve packaging performance, cost efficiency, and sustainability. We are looking for someone who brings both technical expertise and strong execution skills—someone who can turn ideas into tangible outcomes. This position plays a key role in supporting operational excellence, product quality, and continuous improvement across the facility. This strategic position will report directly to the Director of R&D and Business Development of the Frozen Breakfast Business Unit.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Food Science, Materials Science, Engineering, or related field preferred.
Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
3–7+ years of experience in packaging, preferably within food manufacturing or consumer goods.
3+ years progressive project management experience required.
Proven experience managing projects and leading cross-functional initiatives.
Experience working in a manufacturing environment and supporting plant operations.
Basic understanding of food labeling regulatory requirements.
Strong knowledge of packaging materials, food packaging requirements, and testing methods.
Familiarity with packaging equipment, line trials, and commercialization processes.
Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and drive decisions.
Effective communication and ability to influence without direct authority.
High degree of proficiency in MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications.
Strong documentation and follow-through.
Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management (from conception to completion), & planning skills.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of sustainability trends and recyclable/alternative materials is a plus.
PMP or other project management certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the internal subject matter expert on packaging materials.
Define and promote best practices for packaging material selection based on product protection, shelf life, manufacturability, cost, and sustainability.
Evaluate new packaging technologies and recommend improvements aligned with business goals.
Partner with procurement to identify, evaluate, and qualify new materials and suppliers.
Lead packaging-related R&D and improvement projects from concept through commercialization.
Develop and manage project timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of projects.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Work closely with packaging equipment specialists and plant teams to execute line trials and testing activities.
Design and oversee packaging trials including performance, shelf-life, and transportation testing.
Analyze test results and translate findings into clear, actionable next steps.
Ensure successful implementation of packaging changes into production.
Identify opportunities to improve packaging performance, reduce cost, and enhance sustainability.
Drive initiatives to optimize material usage, reduce waste, and improve efficiency.
Support troubleshooting of packaging-related issues on the production floor.
Partner with operations, engineering, quality, procurement, and suppliers to support packaging initiatives.
Communicate project updates, risks, and results to leadership.
Maintain accurate documentation for formulas, trials, specifications, test protocols, observations, and project progress.
Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements related to packaging.