Expert Packaging Engineer

Ferrara Candy Co.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 102,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Benefits package

Job summary

Ferrara Candy Co. is seeking a Packaging Engineering Lead to drive sustainable packaging strategies across global brands.

You will develop and own the design-for-recycle roadmap, manage regulatory compliance, and collaborate with manufacturing, procurement, quality, and marketing teams. The role requires 4–6 years in packaging engineering, strong knowledge of sustainability regulations, and the ability to lead cross-functional projects from concept through commercialization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or related discipline.
• 4-6 years of progressive packaging engineering experience.
• Experience leading packaging qualification, validation, and commercialization activities.
• Experience evaluating packaging sustainability regulations and compliance impact requirements.
• Experience with sustainable packaging materials, recyclability initiatives, or circular economy programs.
• Willing to travel up to 40%.

Responsibilities

• Develop packaging strategy and roadmaps for sustainability.
• Lead qualifications, validations, and scale-up activities.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams across marketing, sales, procurement, quality, R&D.
• Deliver packaging projects from concept to commercialization.
• Manage annual budgets, timelines, and deliverables.
• Drive adoption of sustainable packaging practices across the organization.

Skills

Regulatory acumen

Business partnership

Influencing without authority

Stakeholder management

Program management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or related discipline

Tools

SAP

PLM systems

TOPS

CAPE

Job description

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At Ferrara, Ferrero, Fox’s Burton’s, and The Fine Biscuits Company, we’re loved by people of all generations for the joy we bring—and that joy is crafted by our people. Join us and explore a whole world to discover, where your passion will find its place.

Today, Ferrara is the #1 sugar confectioner in the U.S, with global sales in more than 40 countries. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of over 9,000 employees around the world who deliver and create hundreds of iconic and beloved products.

In the U.S., more than 67 million households annually enjoy our popular brands like NERDS®, Brach’s®, Jelly Belly®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli®. In Brazil, Dori has become a household name with snacking products that include brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100. And, in France, Carambar & Co have earned generations of loyal customers through the timeless appeal of iconic candy and chocolate brands such as Carambar, Lutti, Krema, Poulain, Vichy and Terry’s. A privately held company, Ferrara Group is headquartered in Chicago. Ferrara boasts a network of over 30 locations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities.

Due to the highly interactive and team-based nature of this role, in-person attendance for most of the workweek (i.e., 3 days or more) is essential for: effective communication including during in-person meetings, strong supervision, real-time problem-solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives.

Want to make an impact?

Serve as Ferrara's technical lead and subject matter expert for sustainable packaging initiatives and compliance. Support the development and lead the execution of sustainable packaging programs that advance Ferrara's goals related to recyclability, plastic reduction, consumer communication, and regulatory compliance. Partner cross-functionally to identify, evaluate, and commercialize sustainable packaging solutions that support business growth, global expansion, and evolving domestic and international regulatory requirements.

Ways you will make a difference

• Develop and own key processes that support the sustainable packaging strategy, such as the “Design for Recycle” roadmap, 3-year packaging strategy, and the labelling process.
• Continuously assess, refine, and prioritize initiatives based on regulatory developments, business priorities, consumer expectations, and emerging technologies.
• Serve as the organization's sustainable packaging subject matter expert for packaging sustainability topics.
• Provide end-to-end leadership for sustainable packaging projects from concept through commercialization.
• Lead packaging qualifications, validations, plant trials, scale-up activities, first production runs, and commercialization support.
• Coordinate activities with suppliers, OEMs, manufacturing sites, procurement, quality, regulatory, marketing, and R&D.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, risks, and deliverables to ensure successful implementation.

Regulatory Assessment & Compliance

• Conduct impact assessments and develop compliance strategies related to recyclability, extended producer responsibility (EPR), source reduction, labeling, and other sustainability requirements.
• Lead cross-functional efforts to implement regulatory requirements and ensure business readiness.
• Communicate regulatory implications to stakeholders across the organization.

Global Expansion & International Readiness

• Support international product launches by providing guidance on packaging design, labeling requirements, recyclability standards, retailer requirements, and EPR compliance.
• Partner with business teams to ensure packaging solutions align with local market regulations and sustainability expectations.
• Evaluate sustainable packaging implications associated with acquisitions and portfolio integration activities.

Source Reduction & Packaging Optimization

• Identify and implement packaging source reduction opportunities that reduce material usage while maintaining product quality, functionality, and consumer experience.
• Lead initiatives supporting compliance with emerging plastic reduction requirements and corporate sustainability goals.
• Evaluate portfolio-wide opportunities to reduce environmental impact through packaging design improvements.

Innovation & Technology Scouting

• Research, evaluate, and test innovative packaging materials and technologies including recyclable films, paper-based packaging, reuse systems, and emerging sustainable solutions.
• Build relationships with suppliers, industry organizations, and technical partners to identify future packaging innovations.
• Translate innovation opportunities into scalable commercial solutions.
• Manage annual sustainable packaging trial budgets and support capital planning activities for packaging-related investments.
• Support management of industry partnerships and sustainability program investments.

Technical Leadership

• Develop packaging specifications, testing protocols, validation plans, and technical documentation.
• Provide guidance and technical support to Packaging Engineering, Operations, Procurement, Quality, Regulatory, and Commercial teams.
• Drive adoption of sustainable packaging best practices and standards throughout the organization.

Skills that will make you successful

• Regulatory Acumen
• Business Partnership
• Influencing Without Authority
• Stakeholder Management
• Program Management
• Action oriented
• Ability to deal with ambiguity
• Planning and Organizing
• Must be organized, able to multitask and meet commitments
• Strength in both oral and written presentation skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Working knowledge with multiple materials and processes in various distribution environments including rigid plastics, flexible materials, corrugated and paperboard packaging, labels.
• Packaging material processing specification knowledge.
• Extensive knowledge of packaging machinery
• Demonstrated ability to perform as a contributing member of cross functional teams, including marketing, sales and research, purchasing, manufacturing, quality, engineering, graphics development, and packaging supplies.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with all levels of the organization, including senior leadership.
• Willing to travel up to 40%.

Experiences that will support your success

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or related discipline.
• 4-6 years of progressive packaging engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing sustainable packaging strategies.
• Experience leading packaging qualification, validation, and commercialization activities.
• Experience evaluating packaging sustainability regulations and compliance impact requirements.
• Experience with sustainable packaging materials, recyclability initiatives, source reduction, or circular economy programs.
• Experience managing multiple cross-functional projects and priorities.
• Experience with SAP, PLM systems, Microsoft Office Suite, TOPS, CAPE, or similar packaging software tools.

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Benefits-Resource-Center

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $102,075 - $142,905 annually.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.