Head of Packaging Innovation & Development

Jobtailor; California (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor seeks a senior packaging development leader to direct the Americas direct-contact, secondary, and tertiary packaging strategy, guiding cross‑functional teams.

You will partner with supply chain, sales, marketing, and project management to drive new package innovations, optimize material use, manage budgets, and mentor a global team.

Frequent domestic and international travel is expected as teams scale up packaging across facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university in packaging engineering, food engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, polymer/materials engineering, or related science field.
• A minimum of 10 years related packaging development in CPG industry and 7 years of being a mid-senior manager with hands-on management experience.
• Business and commercial awareness; ability to influence other business members; excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and teamwork.
• Prefer Packaging Professional Certification (CPP).
• Advanced knowledge and hands-on experience in a wide range of package materials and technologies.
• Technical knowledge of packaging equipment and processes such as form-fill-seal, shrink tunnel, labeler, case packer, conveying system.
• Prefer training and experience in Lean and Six Sigma, or equivalent.
• Advanced knowledge of food product/package development flow from ideation to product launch in a consumer goods environment.
• Strong knowledge of food processing and product/package needs and interactions.
• Highly creative with ability to create new-to-the-world packages and packaging concepts.
• Ability to synthesize diverse technologies into innovative packaging solutions.
• Ability to translate consumer needs into packaging innovations.
• Good knowledge of government agencies pertaining to the food industry.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations (FSMA, FDA, USDA, CFR).

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage package development team for America zone markets and other applicable markets.
• Align zone strategies with global package strategies and monitor latest package technology developments.
• Manage annual budgets and KPIs for the packaging development team.
• Maintain networking with global packaging community for initiatives and cross-zone projects.
• Collaborate with west/east coast plant teams to scale up new pack formats and relocate packages.
• Drive ideation and realization (I&R) package solutions meeting business objectives.
• Provide in-depth technical expertise in designing packaging specifications and test methods.
• Approve design of concepts, experiments, and technical specifications for zone materials.
• Engage with agencies, vendors, and testing services to develop components aligned with growth and sustainability.

Skills

Packaging leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Lean Six Sigma

Team management

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in packaging engineering or related field

Tools

Form-Fill-Seal Equipment

Shrink Tunnel

Labeler

Case Packer

Conveying System

CPP Certification

Job description

Jobtailor seeks a senior packaging development leader to direct the Americas direct-contact, secondary, and tertiary packaging strategy, guiding cross‑functional teams.

You will partner with supply chain, sales, marketing, and project management to drive new package innovations, optimize material use, manage budgets, and mentor a global team.

Frequent domestic and international travel is expected as teams scale up packaging across facilities.