Packaging Engineer

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.

Requirements

Skills:

• Effectively participates in cross-functional teams.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to collaborate and build relationships with internal & external teams.
• Passion for process development and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work independently.
• Attention to detail with good follow through.
• Strong technical and analytical skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple high priority objectives.

Experience/Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Packaging/Packaging Science or related field.
• 3-5 years of experience within the beverage industry.
• Broad base packaging material knowledge including aluminum cans, labels, corrugated cartons, paperboard cartons and carriers, adhesives, and stretch film. Aluminum can experience is a must.
• Experience and exposure to a variety of high-speed beverage packaging equipment including de-palletizers, rinsers, fillers, pasteurizers, labelers, case packers, and palletizers.

Travel

• ~25% travel required.  Boston based preferred but not required.

Benefits

The salary range for this position is $80,000 to $100,000 and is dependent upon the candidate’s experience prior to joining Spindrift. In addition, we offer the following compensation and benefits:

• Short-term and long-term incentive programs specific to level and department
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with a current employer contribution rate of 80% towards monthly premiums, regardless of plan type selected
• Company-paid life insurance, and a 401k retirement savings plan
• Monthly cell phone allowance
• Annual allowances for personal use of Spindrift product, health and wellness, professional development, and social justice education
• A host of voluntary benefits including but not limited to additional life insurance, short-term disability and long-term disability insurance, pet insurance, commuter benefits, etc.
• In addition to any paid leave benefits required by regulation, the company provides paid parental leave, vacation, sick, personal, bereavement, community service, and holiday time.