Senior Manager, Packaging Innovation - R&D

All External Jobs • Chicago, IL

21h • $109,000 - $150,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Fresh-Squeezed Legacy, Bold New Chapter Tropicana Brands Group is a $3B startup aiming to revolutionize the beverage category. Formed in 2022 as a joint venture between PAI Partners and PepsiCo, our portfolio includes iconic brands like Tropicana, Naked, KeVita, Izze, Copella, and Punica. With over 76 years of global leadership in the orange juice category, we’re committed to preserving this legacy while driving innovation in other areas. From reimagining orange juice to creating functional smoothies and driving afternoon refreshments, we are striving to become the undisputed global leader in fresh and chilled beverages. The Research & Development (R&D) team drives innovation, product development, and technological advancements across its juice and beverage portfolio. Focused on creating unique flavors, enhancing nutritional value, and improving formulations, the team ensures products meet evolving consumer preferences. They lead projects from concept to launch, ensuring efficient execution while aligning with business goals. Committed to sustainability, they develop innovative packaging solutions that are biodegradable, recyclable, and environmentally friendly. Additionally, they uphold rigorous nutritional science and regulatory standards, validating health claims and ensuring compliance. With a strong emphasis on food safety, quality, and process engineering, the team optimizes manufacturing systems to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain product excellence. Collaborating closely with scientists, nutritionists, and engineers, Tropicana’s R&D team plays a crucial role in keeping products competitive, sustainable, and aligned with market demands. Your Next Pour: The Opportunity We are looking to add a Senior Manager, Packaging Innovation to our R&D team. This role will be responsible for setting the vision and leading end ‑ to ‑ end execution of innovative, consumer ‑ centric packaging solutions that drive growth, sustainability, speed to market, and competitive advantage. This person will lead packaging innovation from concept through commercialization, influence stakeholders across the enterprise, and build a high ‑ performing team that delivers safe, differentiated, and future ‑ ready packaging across the U.S. and global network.

Requirements

• 10–15+ years of experience in packaging, engineering, or materials science (CPG/food/beverage preferred)
• Proven leadership in end ‑ to ‑ end packaging development and commercialization
• Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and plant ‑ floor operations
• Track record of delivering packaging that drives growth, efficiency, and sustainability
• Ability to influence senior ‑ level cross ‑ functional partners and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated leadership and team ‑ building experience
• Bachelor’s degree preferably in Packaging Engineering or Packaging Science; Master’s preferred
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future
• Must be located in Chicago, IL surrounding area or willing to relocate for the duration of employment
• Willingness to adapt and thrive in a blended work environment with 3 ‑ days in office, seamlessly transitioning between remote work and in ‑ office operations
• Travel up to 25%

Responsibilities

• Leading packaging innovation and renovation as a strategic growth lever
• Building and executing a 3–5 year strategy across innovation, cost productivity, and sustainability
• Driving end ‑ to ‑ end delivery across design, materials, testing, validation, scale ‑ up, and commercialization
• Elevating consumer experience, on ‑ shelf performance, and operational efficiency
• Advancing capabilities in materials, circular packaging, recyclability, and digital tools
• Establishing packaging standards, validation protocols, and performance metrics
• Partnering closely with Brand, Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality, Sustainability, and Manufacturing
• Leading, coaching, and developing a team of 3–5 packaging engineers

Benefits

• TBG is pleased to offer you a comprehensive benefits package which includes a 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, company provided life, STD and LTD insurance.
• In addition, you may also elect to participate in voluntary life, accident, hospital, and critical illness coverages.  

What This Job Offers

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