Senior Manager, Packaging Engineering

Welch's•Waltham, MA

59d•$165,000 - $175,000

About The Position

We are seeking a Senior Manager, Packaging to lead Welch's packaging and process engineering team, with accountability for delivering high-impact partnered projects and advancing our enterprise packaging strategy. This leader will manage a team of packaging and process engineers, ensuring technical excellence and flawless execution while also shaping the roadmap for sustainable, consumer-focused, and cost-effective packaging solutions. The Senior Manager will serve as the key R&D representative in partnered projects with Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain, ensuring packaging and process solutions enable innovation, growth, and productivity. They will also play a leadership role in setting long-term packaging direction, advancing sustainability initiatives, and developing supplier and technology partnerships. Partnered projects include co-manufacturing and licensing partners, in addition to this there will be opportunity to support internal projects and packaging capability builds. This is a critical leadership role within Welch's R&D Pack & Process Team. This position reports directly to the Senior Director, Product, Pack & Process and is responsible for leading a team of packaging and process engineers. This position will play a strong part of the R&D Operations Leadership Team. As part of the Pack & Process leadership team, this role ensures that packaging and process solutions are seamlessly integrated, scalable, and commercially viable. The Senior Manager is the primary R&D leader for partnered projects, working across Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain to deliver innovation, productivity, and sustainability outcomes. This role is also a key contributor to the development of Welch's overall packaging strategy, bringing forward external insights, supplier partnerships, and technical solutions that align with consumer needs and business priorities.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive experience in Packaging Development, Process Engineering, or related technical roles within Food & Beverage or CPG.
BS/MS in Packaging, Engineering, or related technical discipline (advanced degree preferred).
Proven track record leading packaging innovation from concept through commercialization.
Demonstrated leadership in managing teams, building capability, and shaping functional strategy.
Strong understanding of packaging material science, process technologies, and manufacturing systems.
Experience in structural package design, including CAD modeling and design-for-manufacture principles.
Demonstrated experience developing and implementing sustainability strategies, including use of sustainable materials, design for recyclability, and execution of Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs).
Experience partnering with suppliers and co-manufacturers to drive innovation and ensure supply continuity.
Knowledge of sustainability frameworks, packaging regulations, and consumer trends.
Willingness to travel (20-30%).

Responsibilities

Lead Pack & Process Team: Manage, coach, and develop engineers in packaging and process disciplines, building technical mastery and fostering cross-functional collaboration. There will be two direct reports.
Deliver Partnered Projects: Serve as the R&D lead on partnered projects, translating consumer and business needs into packaging and process solutions that deliver growth, cost, and sustainability objectives.
Shape Packaging Strategy: Contribute to Welch's packaging strategy, ensuring alignment with innovation priorities, sustainability goals, and long-term business needs.
Integrate Pack & Process: Ensure packaging design choices are manufacturable and resilient by embedding process considerations early in development.
Advance Sustainability: Drive initiatives to meet Welch's ESG commitments, including recyclable, reusable, and renewable solutions.
Build Supplier & Technology Partnerships: Lead relationships with key suppliers and technology partners, bringing forward emerging solutions.
Strengthen Functional Capability: Partner with other R&D team members on lab and pilot plant capabilities, standards, and systems to ensure robust commercialization and continuous improvement.

Benefits

Organization with a bold, clear purpose & vision for the future
Inclusive Culture: Be a part of an inclusive workplace where you not only belong but also have the opportunity to be the best version of yourself
Passionate Community: You are encouraged to have a voice, share your opinions, and have individual impact on the success of the business
Paid Time Off and Holidays: Available immediately for you to enjoy time away from the office to rest and recharge
Paid Volunteer Time Off: 40 hours of paid volunteer time for all non-union employees
Development & Advancement: Access to LinkedIn Learning as well as both formal and informal opportunities to develop and grow your career
Compensation Package Consisting of Competitive Base Salary and Annual Incentive Plan (Bonus)
401K plan with Generous Company Match
Flexible Benefits from your first day: Choose the benefits that meet your needs and preferences
Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
Health Savings Accounts
Life and accident insurance
Employee Assistance Programs
Tuition reimbursement program
Additional benefits available through Perks at Work
Paid parental (and adoption) leave - Available after 12 months of employment