Senior Director, Packaging Engineer

Simmons Prepared Foods • Siloam Springs, AR

69d

About The Position

The Senior Director of Packaging Engineering will lead the strategic vision and execution of packaging initiatives across the Simmons Enterprise. This role is pivotal in driving innovation, ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance, and delivering sustainable, cost-effective packaging solutions that enhance product integrity and consumer experience.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in packaging roles within the food or pet food industry.
• Proven success in leading cross-functional teams and delivering packaging innovation.
• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Food Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field or 4 years related experience.
• Deep knowledge of barrier materials, flexible and rigid packaging, and food-safe adhesives and inks.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Familiarity with packaging validation, shelf-life testing, and transportation studies.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Packaging Engineering, Food Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Military experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement packaging strategies that support brand growth, product protection, and shelf-life optimization for food and pet food products.
• Improve packaging line efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance throughput across manufacturing facilities.
• Lead cross-functional innovation projects focused on new packaging formats, materials, and technologies tailored to food and pet food applications.
• Champion sustainable packaging initiatives, including recyclable, compostable, and reduced-plastic solutions aligned with industry and consumer expectations.
• Ensure packaging meets FDA, USDA, AAFCO, and other relevant food safety and labeling regulations.
• Manage and mentor a team of packaging engineers while collaborating with R&D, Operations, Marketing, Compliance, Sustainability, Procurement, and External Partners.
• Drive cost savings with Procurement through material optimization, supplier negotiations, and value engineering.
• Participate as a member of the Team, fostering strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues.
• Maintain familiarity with Simmons' established operating systems and communicate concerns and improvement ideas.
• Perform other duties as necessary in support of business objectives.
• Regular visits to manufacturing or packaging lines, handling packaging prototypes, and lifting packaging samples.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree