R&D Packaging Manager

Flora Food Group•Hackensack, NJ

2d•$120,000 - $130,000•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.
Passionate about 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.