The Director of Packaging develops and executes packaging strategies supporting the company’s goals and business plans. This role is responsible for leading and overseeing initiatives in new packaging development and emerging technologies, while also providing support for manufacturing and marketing operations. The Director ensures that all projects are aligned with corporate strategic initiatives and business objectives, and develops and executes comprehensive work plans to manage projects effectively, while meeting defined requirements and timelines.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Develop and implement long-term strategies for packaging technology in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Provide thought leadership on how packaging can provide a competitive advantage or create consumer value in the sale of finished goods
Lead company-wide sustainability initiatives related to packaging, ensuring alignment with corporate goals.
Project & Process Management
Own the complete packaging development process, from initiation of a new or change in packaging, through packaging design, artwork creation, specification creation, and delivery.Work collaboratively with R&D, Category Management, Regulatory and Purchasing in execution of packaging projects.
Manage packaging and print startups, including resource planning and vendor selection.
Partner with Engineering to support automation initiatives in packaging processes.
Lead packaging-related TDC (Total Delivered Cost) projects in collaboration with Category Management and other departments.
Technical Oversight
Ensure structural design, material selection, and manufacturing processes meet food safety and regulatory standards.
Approve packaging components and documentation used across all AFNA manufacturing plants and co-packer facilities.
Maintain systems for packaging specifications, printing standards, die lines, and artwork files.
Team Development
Coach and mentor team members to foster high performance and professional growth.
Identify and develop the skills, tools, and techniques required to achieve project objectives.
Stakeholder Engagement
Collaborate with internal teams including Operations, Procurement, and Supply Chain to ensure packaging supports operational stability.
Represent the company in external technical discussions, industry forums, and professional networks.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in resource management, project management is a plus.
10+ years of knowledge in the fields of packaging, engineering & manufacturing.
Strong project and people management skills with the ability to motivate staff and teams to develop materials and complete projects within tight timeframes.
Ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects.
Basic computer working knowledge with packaging design programs, computer graphics and data base programs.
Excellent communication and cross-functional partnering skills both within and external to packaging department.
Strategic leader with the ability to initiate and lead strategic planning meeting and technical forums.
Solid experience in corrugate, flexible, folding cartons and in depth understanding of offset lithography and offset flexography printing processes.
General knowledge on FDA and USDA regulations is preferred
Frozen Foods Manufacturing experience is preferred
Must be willing to travel at least 30% of the time
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Salary range $180,000 to $190,000
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
