Manager, Packaging Engineer

Ferrero SpA; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 102,075 - 142,905; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Benefits package including PTO

Job summary

Ferrara is seeking a Packaging Manager in Chicago to lead the Packaging Engineering team and drive design, development, and commercialization of packaging solutions for our confection and snack portfolio. You will partner with R&D, Operations, Engineering, Procurement, Marketing, and suppliers to deliver innovative, sustainable packaging that meets product and manufacturing needs.

The role requires strong project management and leadership, with 5+ years in packaging engineering and a Bachelor's

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in packaging engineering or related field.
• Experience leading, coaching, and developing technical teams.
• Experience in food manufacturing/CPG environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Packaging Engineers.
• Set team priorities, manage workloads, and provide strategic direction.
• Oversee design, testing, qualification, and implementation of packaging solutions.
• Partner cross-functionally with R&D, Operations, Engineering, Procurement, Marketing, and suppliers.
• Drive packaging innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify and evaluate new packaging technologies and supplier capabilities.
• Provide technical expertise and recommendations to leadership on opportunities and challenges.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

SAP

PLM system

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?

The Packaging Manager is responsible for leading and developing a team of Packaging Engineers while driving the design, development, and commercialization of packaging solutions across Ferrara's confection and fruit snack portfolio. This role provides strategic and technical leadership to support innovation, sustainability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives, partnering closely with cross-functional teams to deliver packaging solutions that meet consumer, business, and manufacturing needs.

Ways you will make a difference

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Packaging Engineers, fostering a culture of engagement, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Set team priorities, manage workloads, and provide strategic direction for packaging development and commercialization activities.
• Oversee the design, testing, qualification, and implementation of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging solutions.
• Partner cross-functionally with R&D, Operations, Engineering, Procurement, Marketing, and external suppliers to support new product launches and packaging innovation.
• Drive packaging innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and consumer experience.
• Identify and evaluate new packaging technologies, materials, and supplier capabilities to support business objectives.
• Provide technical expertise and recommendations to leadership and key stakeholders on packaging-related opportunities and challenges.

Skills that will make you successful

• Strong project management, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Experience with SAP, PLM system
• Proven experience leading, coaching, and developing technical teams
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, manufacturing processes, testing methods, and commercialization activities
• Experience working in a food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or similar fast-paced environment preferred.

Experiences that will support your success

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering,
• 5+ years of experience in packaging engineering, packaging development, or a related field.

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 athttps://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.