R&D Packaging Manager

Flora Food Group • Hackensack, NJ

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Flora Food Group is driving a bold growth agenda built on innovation. With a refreshed leadership team and a clear long-term strategy, we are investing in the capabilities that will shape the future of our business. Packaging plays a critical role in this journey. Through improvements in materials, design, functionality, and sustainability, packaging is a key driver of both business growth and environmental impact. As a result, we are significantly increasing our focus on packaging innovation across our global portfolio. As Packaging R&D Manager – Plant Cheese, you will deploy the regional packaging strategy across our fast-growing Plant Cheese portfolio. Working closely with regional and global experts, you will lead packaging initiatives from concept through commercialization, helping to deliver innovative, sustainable, and consumer-focused solutions that support Flora Food Group's growth ambitions. This is an exciting opportunity for a packaging professional who is passionate about innovation, enjoys working cross-functionally, and wants to make a meaningful impact in a business where packaging is recognized as a key strategic growth enabler.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Food Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in Packaging R&D, Packaging Development, or Product Development within FMCG/CPG.
• Passion for packaging and the role it plays in driving innovation, sustainability, and consumer experience.
• Proven ability to lead packaging development projects and deliver results across multiple priorities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience working across functions including Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality, and R&D.
• Comfortable working autonomously and taking ownership of projects from concept through commercialization.
• Experience supporting existing product portfolios while driving innovation, cost optimization, and business growth.
• Understanding of packaging development processes, including collaboration with design agencies, engineering consultancies, toolmakers, material suppliers, and converters.
• Commercially minded with the ability to balance consumer and brand needs alongside technical and manufacturing requirements.
• Entrepreneurial and curious, with a willingness to challenge convention, explore new ideas, and bring fresh thinking to the business.
• Brings energy, initiative, and a genuine enthusiasm for packaging innovation and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead packaging projects aligned with the regional Plant Cheese packaging roadmap.
• Drive packaging innovation, renovation, sustainability, and productivity initiatives from concept through launch.
• Deliver margin improvement opportunities while ensuring packaging quality, compliance, and performance requirements are met.
• Manage end-to-end packaging development activities across the Plant Cheese portfolio.
• Partner closely with Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality, Operations, and R&D teams to successfully commercialize new packaging solutions.
• Collaborate with external suppliers, material providers, converters, and development partners to bring innovative packaging ideas to market.
• Evaluate emerging packaging technologies, materials, and industry trends to identify future opportunities.
• Support the ongoing optimization of existing packaging formats while balancing consumer, brand, commercial, and manufacturing needs.
• Ensure packaging solutions are scalable, sustainable, and fit for purpose across our supply network.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager