Senior Packaging Engineer

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery,LLC•Traverse City, MI

About The Position

This role will be responsible for organizing, planning, managing and executing packaging Innovation, development and cost reduction projects across Retail, In-Store Bakery, and Foodservice businesses. This individual will work with project teams to investigate and recommend materials, processes, innovation, packaging, and equipment to bring assigned project successfully to market. The individual in this role will also support Supply Chain and BU function in manufacturing of packages that meet customer and consumer expectation for character, cost, and quality across various product categories.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree Packaging Engineering or related field
Minimum of 5 years work experience in packaging or engineering industry, CPG preferred
Understanding of product and packaging interactions, sustainability, food protections and packaging tests
Understanding of packaging equipment, packaging processes and ability to work with supply chain engineering on capital projects involving packaging solutions
Basic computer skills required; competence in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; familiarity with Cape, Tops, ArtiosCad, CAD, etc.
Strong verbal/written communication skills
Ability to work independently, self-starter, as well as good teamwork skills and ability to foster cross-functional partnerships
Strong analytical and logical problem- solving skills; trouble shooting skills with the ability to “think on their feet”
Ability to manage multiple projects on an ongoing basis, executing with excellence
Ability to work in food allergen areas (Nuts, Dairy, Egg, etc.)

Nice To Haves

Ability to travel 25 – 35% of the time

Responsibilities

Support assigned business/product lines with all package development needs
Manage multiple packaging development, technical application, and cost reduction projects and/or programs
Lead assigned resources in problem identification and problem resolution to facilitate new or improved packages, packaging upgrades, new or improved processes and cost savings
Coordinate and execute experiments, as well as plant trials; prepare results in technical reports, both written and oral, for review with minimal supervision
Work as a cross functional resource with Business Units, Insights/Innovation, Supply Chain Engineering, Product Development R&D, and Procurement to develop new packaging platforms to support product innovation
Provide technical support to project teams to solve manufacturing problems
Assure all projects are seen through to completion including documentation and protection of intellectual property as well as development and issuing of technical specifications, Bill of Materials, and relevant packaging documentation.
Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with operations/divisional management and external customers
Leverage external vendors and work directly with procurement
Maintain awareness of technical trends and developments in the packaging industry
Perform all activities in a safe manner and within the context of all Sara Lee Frozen Bakery safety protocols