SUMMARY: The broad objective of this position is to effectively manage all packaging development through project management and direct interaction with R&D, Marketing, Sales, Purchasing and Manufacturing, driving company goals and objectives. This is an onsite/hybrid position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Manage multiple packaging development projects while communicating regularly scheduled updates to all internal and external parties on a timely basis. Work with Marketing to develop overall packaging project timeline, maintain regular status reports and distribute to Sales/Marketing team. Provide technical support and subject matter expertise through project development and implementation stages. Respond to internal and external customer inquiries and concerns regarding packaging projects. Act as collaborator or reviewer on documentation for nutrition facts sheets, new item worksheets, etc. Good proofreading skills are required. Solve non-routine problems and take initiative to modify procedures and processes as appropriate and make contributions that impact work team results.

TECHNICAL ASPECTS:
Provide graphics and regulatory expertise on all packaging development projects. Understanding prepress setup is a must. Consistently apply in-depth technical expertise to develop new packaging and packaging processes with the ability to interface with numerous functional areas. Must be able to work through multiple customer proofing workflow programs like Blue, Opal, etc. Experience in proofing workflows is a plus. Modify and/or suggest changes to packaging, provide primary approval to product and label claims and guide development from concept to print-ready on all projects. Along with packaging approval team, ensure that primary packaging complies to all rules and regulations of the FDA, USDA, QAI, SQF, etc. Champion process improvement opportunities for the introduction of new packaging components and create meticulous documentation and well-organized data library of all graphics-related artwork and files. Optimize work flow processes with internal departments (Purchasing, Sales, R&D, Marketing and Packaging) and external customers and suppliers to create project timelines and manageable expectations. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience.

Experience: 5-8+ years of project management experience is preferred, but not a requirement. Packaging development and knowledge of chemical and material science and/or knowledge of film, labels, paperboard and corrugate is a plus.

Skills:
Excellent listening, verbal and communication skills Proven organizational skills and ability to proactively manage 20 or more concurrent packaging development projects. Initiative, results orientation and a passion for excellence Able to effectively present information and respond to questions from internal departments and external customers and suppliers Ability to develop strong working relationships with coworkers across all functions

RELATIONSHIPS:
Reports to the Director of R&D Works closely with R&D, Marketing, Sales, Purchasing, Planning, Engineering and Plant Operations

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, reach, stretch, stoop, bend, use hands and fingers and climb stairs. This job requires the employee to be able to read, write and communicate orally in English. The employee must be able to hear and have color vision.

The requirements described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.