Sr. Manager, Packaging
About The Position
Senior Manager, Packaging Solutions Location: Fremont, California (Nextpower Headquarters) — global role Reports to: Sr. Director, Logistics Operations Team: 4–6 packaging professionals located worldwide. Travel: ~25–30% mainly within the US to suppliers, factories, warehouses, and project sites. International travel is occasionally required. Nextpower delivers market-leading solar tracker hardware and control software. As we scale globally, sustainable and standardized packaging is critical to safety, product quality, total landed cost, and customer satisfaction. You will own the global packaging strategy and execution—standardizing designs and processes, driving continuous improvement, and building a high-performing packaging community across regions and partners. You will serve as Nextpower's most knowledgeable expert in packaging—combining strategic leadership with hands-on execution. This role requires ownership, accountability, and drive to drive results across functions, geographies, and suppliers.
Requirements
- BSc/MSc in Packaging Engineering or related technical field (Mechanical/Industrial) or equivalent experience.
- Around 10+ years in industrial packaging for heavy or engineered equipment (manufacturer or solution provider).
- Proven people leadership of distributed teams; able to inspire, motivate, and develop high-performing engineers.
- Demonstrated success implementing global standards, documentation, and change control.
- Deep knowledge of Returnable Packaging design, cost modeling, and operational management.
- Hands-on experience with ISTA/ASTM testing, palletization, corrosion protection (VCI/desiccants), and export shipping.
- Fluency in English, excellent communication with executives, engineers, suppliers, and site teams.
- High level of ownership, accountability, and drive to deliver results and make things happen.
- Willingness to travel globally.
- Experience in renewable energy, steel/mechanical assemblies, or large-format industrial shipments.
Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a global team of 4–6 packaging engineers; inspire and coach them to deliver excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
- Own the global packaging strategy aligned to business goals—standardization, harmonization, risk reduction, quality, and sustainability (reusability, recyclability, and waste minimization).
- Establish and govern global standards: specifications, drawings, BOMs, test methods, labeling, data requirements, and change control across all regions and product lines.
- Lead value engineering and cost optimization without compromising safety or quality: material right-sizing, cube utilization, modular/returnable solutions, and freight damage reduction.
- Drive continuous improvement in packaging processes from NPI through end-of-life; implement KPIs and tiered reviews with regions and suppliers.
- Partner cross-functionally with Product, Supply Chain, Quality, HSE, and Site Operations to ensure packaging meets technical, operational, and site handling constraints and project schedules.
- Manage supplier ecosystem: implement audits and corrective actions.
- Act as a hands-on leader and program driver, ensuring global initiatives are executed on time and aligned to business priorities.
- Ensure global compliance with packaging regulations and relevant test standards (e.g., ISTA/ASTM as applicable).
- Support program execution: approve designs, drawings, and samples; sign-off on packaging readiness for new products and major projects; resolve non-conformances and field issues.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
