Senior Packaging Engineer

Kimberly-Clark • Neenah, WI

282d • $106,000 - $131,000

About The Position

The Sr. Packaging Engineer entails ownership of end-to-end packaging from strategic development to tactical execution providing technical and program leadership for structural packaging solutions for a category/platform within the Family Care Business Unit to deliver financial results with winning value propositions and products. Leads strategic cross-brand or cross business packaging projects and is viewed as the Category Packaging subject matter expert. Provides informal team leadership, work direction and training to their packaging team consisting of packaging engineers and coordinators.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or related degree
• 10+ years of Packaging Engineering experience
• Demonstrated accomplishments and working knowledge in Packaging Engineering preferably within the Consumer Products industry
• Advanced knowledge of packaging development/processes/systems, as well as operations/supply chain processes
• In-depth knowledge and experience in LEAN practices/manufacturing

Nice To Haves

• Desire advanced certifications (e.g. Project Management Professional, 6 Sigma, or Certified Packaging Professional)
• SAP experience is preferred including SAP/PLM & AutoCAD
• Advanced knowledge of end-to-end packaging development process, including printing processes and packaging industry, with ability to train/coach others
• Strong planning/organizing skills with an ability to simultaneously lead/manage/execute multiple, complex projects
• Ability to develop a packaging strategy and vision, for a business category, and execute tactically with excellence
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships and lead multi-functional, multi-level project teams
• Ability to influence decisions across multiple functions/levels
• Ability to conceptualize ideas and transform specific brand/customer/consumer goals into packaging structures and specifications, including knowledge & experience with testing procedures
• Advanced problem solver to develop solutions and actionable plans for multiple functions and/or vendors/agencies
• Ability to communicate professionally in both oral and written form to inspire others to action; excellent presentation skills
• Advanced analytical skills to collect and interpret data and information to improve material/package/product/process performance
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in an environment with a high degree of change and uncertainty
• Self-directed, change agent, energizer and mobilizer - can quickly assess a situation, needed resources and drive execution
• Explore and scout new, innovative and creative packaging solutions - keeping current within industry, equipment/manufacturing capability and technology, including sustainability initiatives; Prioritize and implement application to KC to build future capability and provide solutions
• Preferred working knowledge of KCC packaging materials, specifications, procedures and equipment

Responsibilities

• Lead tactical technical packaging engineers to develop new product/package introductions/launches/initial commercialization, as well as product/process changes and rollovers.
• Lead complex projects with higher risks and business implications.
• Serve as an interface between strategic and tactical projects/timelines, including influencing graphic design and cross-functional project teams.
• Represent Packaging in key strategy cross-brand or cross business development efforts and is primary decision maker for tactical packaging development.
• Evaluate packaging specifications according to the nature of the product, cost limitations, legal requirements, and the type of protection required.
• Evaluate, prioritize and apply innovative solutions/new technologies and materials in the design of packaging to deliver a consumer benefit, enhance profit margin, and/or reduce the environmental impact of our packaging.
• Understand and is knowledgeable of laboratory activities and tests, using scientific systems/tools, to assess technical feasibility in the qualification of materials, copackers and vendors.
• Ensure adherence to packaging and transportation industry, customer/vendor and KC standards, procedures and requirements to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Proactively identify, lead and execute environmental sustainability initiatives to support global and KC environmental goals and responsibilities.
• Demonstrate extensive knowledge of internal K-C & external vendor/co-packing operations, technology and production capabilities, as well as supply chain processes, to integrate operations and supply chain solutions and objectives into package development to identify and capitalize on cost reduction/transformation and production efficiency opportunities.
• Assess and develop action plans to overcome packaging related manufacturing issues.
• Understand and support Strategic Business Plans/Annual Operating Plans for the next 1-5 years and provide technical direction/input to business plan development, capability development, 5-year mass balances and long-term strategy development.
• Develop and share a 5+ year structural packaging vision supporting brand strategies, architecture and vision (including IMF process support).
• Demonstrate general business manager mindset with project management and leadership, including financials.
• Drive best-in-class packaging designs, standards and specifications.
• Develop and share best practices related to packaging and system development across the packaging community and KC sectors.
• Maintain broad scope and depth of knowledge and is accountable for sharing/teaching their technical knowledge with others.
• Partner with Front End Innovation team to complete external technology scouting and benchmarking for category to recommend innovation pipeline options & solutions.
• Provide advice and counsel to team members, business units, staff groups, and suppliers.
• Understand the consumer, customer and competitive environment to ensure consistency and alignment with brand equity to drive category growth.
• Partner with Design, Shopper marketing, and Category Insight teams to develop understanding of long-term strategies and key insights to align packaging development needs across materials, structure and packaging equipment.
• Identify and recommend new technology and/or materials to create leading edge package designs, innovations and prototypes.
• Share audit insights and recommendations with front-end Design, Innovation and Marketing teams.
• Responsible for the development and progression of Packaging team members by providing training, coaching and feedback to team members to motivate and empower team members to achieve business results.
• Model One KC Behaviors, safety, diversity and quality attitudes and practices.

Benefits

• Great support for good health with medical, dental, and vision coverage options with no waiting periods or pre-existing condition restrictions.
• Access to an on-site fitness center, occupational health nurse, and allowances for high-quality safety equipment.
• Flexible Savings and spending accounts to maximize health care options and stretch dollars when caring for yourself or dependents.
• Diverse income protection insurance options to protect yourself and your family in case of illness, injury, or other unexpected events.
• Additional programs and support to continue your education, adopt a child, relocate, or even find temporary childcare.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Paper Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree