Senior Manager, Packaging Development

The Coca-Cola Company•Atlanta, GA

11d•$120,000 - $149,000

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Packaging Development at The Coca-Cola Company identifies and creates new packaging solutions by applying packaging and consumer trends, technical research, and system capabilities. The role re-applies ideas from the Coca-Cola Global Packaging network and works with external resources such as design agencies, consultants, universities, and suppliers. Projects may span idea generation, proof of concept, design, development, pilot activities, and trials. The role develops and manages the package RDI pipeline for a category in alignment with Operating Unit strategic objectives. It requires packaging-industry knowledge from raw materials through conversion, printing, application, and distribution, along with insight into sustainable materials, recycling systems, and emerging technologies. The Senior Manager leads cross-functional work and helps scale technologies from bench to plant and bring feasible, practical, cost-effective packaging innovations to market. The position is based in Atlanta, United States, with 0–25% travel and no relocation provided. The Coca-Cola Company does not offer employment sponsorship for this position; applicants must already be authorized to work full-time in the United States without requiring company sponsorship. The stated U.S. pay range is $120,000–$149,000. Benefits are described as a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Material Science, or a related field.
5–10 years of Packaging Development experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry; beverage-sector experience is preferred.
Demonstrated success in developing and commercializing packages.
Ability to lead cross-functional teams and foster effective working relationships across functional areas.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely.
Knowledge of packaging trends, consumer trends, and technical research methodologies.
Strong problem-solving skills and a creative mindset for identifying and developing innovative packaging solutions.
Must be currently authorized to work full-time in the United States and must not require The Coca-Cola Company’s sponsorship to continue working legally in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Post-graduate degree.
Experience in the beverage sector.
Experience working in a global packaging network and familiarity with re-applying ideas within a large organization.
Change management.
Problem solving.
Continuous improvement.
Experience with sustainable packaging solutions and understanding of environmental impacts.

Responsibilities

Build and manage the package RDI pipeline for a given category in alignment with Operating Unit strategic objectives.
Manage large budgets, broad scopes, multiple suppliers, and/or team members from partner companies.
Import and export best-in-class packaging ideas from other Operating Units or external partners.
Apply knowledge of packaging materials, production processes, design development, material compatibility, material–machine interfaces, conversion processes, engineering, supplier processes, standards, and specifications.
Scale new technology into a viable commercial proposition, from bench to plant.
Optimize material, product, and machine interfaces to drive cost and waste out of the system.
Manage priorities and guide planning processes to achieve desired outcomes.
Create and manage overall project schedules with internal and external cross-functional team members, including bottling partners.
Disseminate key facts and present complex information concisely and clearly.
Document and communicate routine technical data within R&I and business teams.
Use influence and negotiation skills, supported by scientific, consumer, and economic data, to develop persuasive business cases for new packaging projects.
Lead the technical portion of business-case development for routine projects.
Generate and translate innovative ideas into feasible, practical, and cost-effective packaging solutions.
Bring innovations from inception to implementation using general technology and supply-base knowledge and known technologies.
Lead pilot and trial activities to validate packaging concepts and support successful market introduction.
Work with external resources, including design agencies, consultants, universities, and suppliers, to drive innovation.