Manager, R&D - Packaging Dev

Manager, R&D – Packaging Development  

Job Description  

This role leads packaging development for the Away From Home business, shaping practical, effective packaging solutions that balance technical rigor, business needs, and operational feasibility. It is a managerial and technical role within Research & Development Packaging, with direct leadership responsibility for packaging developers and potential oversight of contractors. 

The person in this role will be responsible for developing and executing work plans, driving results across a range of initiatives, and leading packaging development from concept through commercialization. Success requires strong technical depth, sound judgment, and the ability to translate scientific learning and statistical analysis into practical business solutions. 

This role operates in a dynamic, cross-functional environment and calls for strong communication, teamwork, and people leadership. The candidate must be able to manage multiple priorities with minimal guidance, solve technical packaging challenges, and lead with a collaborative, results-oriented mindset. 

Key Components of the role   

• Directly lead a team of Packaging developers and potentially contractors  

• Lead packaging development and commercialization of materials and packaging systems to deliver short- and long-term business objectives 

• Manage technical timelines, communicate progress clearly, escalate risks, and develop contingency plans using strong project management discipline 

• Identify, define, and solve technical packaging challenges that meet both operational and customer requirements 

• Ensure packaging solutions are feasible, manufacturable, and fit for purpose, particularly in foodservice formats 

• Lead and/or support developers who are leading packaging testing, qualification, and commercialization in partnership with cross-functional teams across lab and production environments 

• Manage and develop junior team members through development plans, workload balancing, and team effectiveness  

• Influence project direction in collaboration with Operations, Marketing, and other cross-functional partners 

• Understand and be fluent in day-to-day commercialization systems, routines and ways of working 

• Translate research findings and test results into clear business implications, including the “why” behind recommendations and the expected impact  

Qualifications  

• BS or MS in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field 

• Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of 6 years of relevant packaging development experience within CPG, food and beverage, or related industry; or master’s degree plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or PhD plus a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience 

• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach and motivate others  

• Prior people management experience preferred  

• Proven ability to lead and execute technically complex packaging projects  

• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, equipment, material interactions, and packaging laboratory test methods 

• Excellent communication, influencing, critical thinking, project management, and problem-solving skills  

• Proven ability to independently manage multiple projects concurrently with the ability to prioritize effectively  

• Strong understanding of Design of Experiments and statistical analysis 

• Willingness to travel up to 30%