The Packaging Engineer will report to the Senior Director of Manufacturing & Quality and will be the internal expert on all packaging related projects and responsibilities. As the Packaging Engineer, you will be an integral part of a team focused on quality, procurement, innovation, efficiency, and cost saving initiatives. This role is cross functional in nature, working closely with internal teams consisting of Quality & Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Innovation, Marketing, Sales, and Finance as well as several external co-packer and repack partners across the United States.

Responsibilities

The core responsibilities of this role are to be the internal expert on all packaging-related matters.

Packaging Quality and Specifications

• Lead packaging material qualifications and support Manufacturing & Quality Departments on vendor quality audits.
• Lead identification and resolution of packaging material complaints and issues as required.
• Coordinate testing as required at third party laboratories or co-packing partners.
• Develop and maintain Packaging Material Specifications and documentation for assigned projects.
• Develop and maintain packaging test methods and operational procedures.
• Rigorously investigate packaging material deficiencies, develop corrective actions, and follow through on implementation of corrective actions.

Packaging Material Vendor Relations

• Serve as key technical point of contact for package material vendors (cartons, corrugate, aluminum cans, etc.).
• Support Sourcing, Innovation, and Supply Chain initiatives for supply continuity and risk management by providing input to RFP process and conducting new vendor qualifications.
• Assist in identifying and vetting potential suppliers.
• Develop quality scorecards for each packaging vendor.

Innovation

• Work with innovation team to manage the development and commercialization of new packaging materials, technologies, and systems.

Co-packer & Repacker Liaison

• Support Spindrift’s network of external, 3rd party primary fillers / copackers located across the country with packaging and packaging equipment related issues.
• Lead the commissioning of and provide ongoing support of Spindrift’s re-packing partners.
• Identify opportunities for capital improvement projects at third parties and lead projects.

Cost Savings

• Lead the identification and implementation of Gross Margin improvement opportunities related to packaging materials and packaging operations.
• Understand the performance versus cost implications of packaging materials and identify alternatives.

Internal Packaging Expert

• Stay abreast of new technologies through networking, trade shows, and professional organizations.
• Identify and exploit new packaging technologies to bring competitive advantage and/or superior consumer experience.
• Serve as lead for sustainable packaging activities and customer scorecard requirements.