Expert Packaging Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Paid time off

Job summary

Ferrara is seeking a Technical Lead for Sustainable Packaging to drive recycling, reduced plastic use, labeling, and regulatory compliance across global product launches. You will lead end-to-end packaging programs, manage supplier and internal teams, and ensure readiness for international markets while aligning with Ferrara's sustainability goals.

The role requires strong cross-functional leadership, project management, and deep knowledge of packaging materials and processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or related discipline.
• 4-6 years of progressive packaging engineering experience.
• 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 and recyclability initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own processes for the sustainable packaging strategy (e.g., Design for Recycle roadmap).
• Lead packaging qualifications, validations, plant trials, scale-up, and commercialization support.
• Coordinate with suppliers, OEMs, manufacturing, procurement, quality, regulatory, marketing, and R&D.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, risks, and deliverables for packaging projects.
• Provide technical guidance to Packaging Engineering, Operations, Procurement, Quality, Regulatory, and Commercial teams.
• Drive adoption of sustainable packaging best practices and standards.

Skills

Regulatory Acumen

Business Partnership

Influencing Without Authority

Stakeholder Management

Program Management

Planning and Organizing

Multitasking

Communication (oral/written)

Cross-functional collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or related discipline

Tools

SAP

PLM systems

Microsoft Office Suite

TOPS

CAPE

Job description

Work Location: Chicago

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

Sustainable Packaging Strategy & Program

• 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.

Sustainable Packaging Project Leadership

• 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.

Financial & Resource Management

• 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.