Department: Global Development and Innovation

Reporting To: Sr. Director, Packaging GDI

Role Overview:

The Packaging Development Director will lead a team responsible for Packaging R&D (from design to commercialization) for all categories across USA and Canada. The individual is responsible for leading a team of packaging engineers and directly partnering with the business to create a strong packaging strategy / roadmap. The team works in partnership with brand marketing groups and commercial teams to build the annual and 3-5 year business plans.

This role demands a unique combination of technical expertise, visionary thinking, and leadership skills. The ideal candidate will have a robust background in packaging technologies, a proven track record in project management, and a deep commitment to sustainability. You will lead a dynamic team, working closely with cross-functional teams, including Research to Experimentation Team, Operating Unit brand marketing teams, suppliers, bottlers and other stakeholders across the organization, driving innovation that aligns with our sustainability goals and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Expertise: Use advanced understanding of packaging materials, production processes, sustainability, and cutting-edge technologies to develop innovative solutions. This includes end-to-end knowledge of the packaging industry, from raw materials to distribution, and excel in material, product, and machine interface optimization to minimize costs and waste. Deep insights into PET, cans, glass, and paperboard packaging are essential. Responsibilities include compliance with local regulations and company standards, leading in environmentally friendly packaging innovations, and authorizing packaging materials and suppliers. Strong knowledge of industry trends and an ability to adopt new technology to ensure our packaging remains at the forefront of sustainability and innovation.
Visionary Thinking: Articulate a future state for packaging to deliver our sustainability goals and business objectives. Lead the team in thinking beyond current limitations to explore new and innovative packaging solutions.
Strategic Leadership: Work cross-functionally to align key stakeholders on strategic plans that deliver the company's vision for the future of packaging. Lead the development of compelling business cases for new packages, using scientific, consumer, and business data. Build and motivate the technical resources to deliver these ambitions.
Team Leadership: Build and motivate a high performing team of technical packaging leaders and SMEs that are appropriately connected with internal and external stakeholders and driving our business priorities.
Stakeholder Engagement: Shape and inspire technical strategy by developing an excellent rapport with colleagues and an earn status as a recognized expert. Build partnership relationships with CEPG, CCBSS, NPSG, Bottlers, Supply Chain and the supplier network. Understand system needs and capabilities to appropriately influence packaging innovation decisions. Negotiation and enforce as necessary technical requirements with supply chain, bottlers and suppliers.
Global Mindset: Cultivate a global perspective within the team by building rapport at all levels with our global network. Leverage the global system to drive scale and fast adoption of new technologies. Ensure there is an emphasis on packaging solutions that are globally relevant and sustainable.
Compliance and Intellectual Property: Ensure all packaging initiatives comply with safety and regulatory affairs. Maintain a clear understanding of intellectual property laws and patent interpretation to protect our innovations.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
12-15 years of work experience that built advanced knowledge in Packaging Technologies and demonstrated strong leadership and team building skills.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
Proficient business acumen and a global mindset.
Basic understanding of Safety and Regulatory Affairs.
Clear understanding of intellectual property laws and patent interpretation

Skills:

Analytical Thinking, Change Management, Compliance, Continual Improvement

Process, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Innovation, Manufacturing, Packaging

Engineering, Product Innovations, Production Management, Production

Processes, Research and Development Operations, Standard Operating

Procedure (SOP)

Skills

Continual Improvement Process; Product Specifications; Supply Chain; Critical Control Points; Quality Assurance Systems; Quality Metrics; Process Control; Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP); Quality Reporting; Waterfall Model; Quality Inspections; Packaging; Process Engineering; Microsoft Office; Communication; Food Safety and Sanitation; Global Collaborations; Shipping; Statistical Process Control (SPC); Lean Six Sigma (LSS); Food Chemistry