Manager - Packaging Engineering

Brown-Forman Corporation; Louisville (KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Brown-Forman Louisville office is seeking an experienced Packaging Engineering Lead to guide packaging development from concept to commercialization. You will collaborate with Design, Brand, Sourcing, Quality, Production, and Finance to ensure successful project execution.

The role requires leadership of Packaging Engineers, oversight of prototypes, testing, supplier audits, and ongoing process improvements. Hybrid work with in-office weekdays and remote Fridays is offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years packaging materials or packaging engineering experience.
• Experience managing packaging projects from design through commercialization and production.
• Knowledge of packaging materials, testing procedures, specifications, and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary packaging engineering contact for assigned brand platforms and projects.
• Provide leadership and guidance to direct reports and Packaging Engineers supporting assigned projects.
• Lead packaging development from concept through commercialization, assessing feasibility, timelines, material requirements, and production capabilities.
• Partner with Design, Brand, Sourcing, Quality, Production, Finance, and other teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Develop packaging structures and materials for new and existing products, including prototypes, specifications, testing, and production requirements.
• Collaborate with Quality and Sourcing to evaluate, qualify, and develop suppliers, including supplier audits and performance monitoring.
• Coordinate testing and attend supplier trials and production runs as needed to ensure packaging meets quality and performance standards.
• Serve as a technical resource and lead problem-solving efforts related to packaging materials and production line challenges.
• Identify and implement packaging innovations, quality improvements, process improvements, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Support the development and specification of printed labels, shrink materials, gift packaging, and other specialty packaging.
• Evaluate global suppliers and packaging solutions to support worldwide sourcing needs.
• Maintain knowledge of emerging packaging technologies, materials, processes, and supplier capabilities.
• Support environmental and regulatory compliance requirements related to packaging components.

Skills

Packaging leadership

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or related field

Tools

Wrike

Job description

What You Can Expect

• Serve as the primary packaging engineering contact for assigned brand platforms and projects.
• Provide leadership and guidance to direct reports and Packaging Engineers supporting assigned projects.
• Lead packaging development from concept through commercialization, assessing feasibility, timelines, material requirements, and production capabilities.
• Partner with Design, Brand, Sourcing, Quality, Production, Finance, and other teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Develop packaging structures and materials for new and existing products, including prototypes, specifications, testing, and production requirements.
• Collaborate with Quality and Sourcing to evaluate, qualify, and develop suppliers, including supplier audits and performance monitoring.
• Coordinate testing and attend supplier trials and production runs as needed to ensure packaging meets quality and performance standards.
• Serve as a technical resource and lead problem-solving efforts related to packaging materials and production line challenges.
• Identify and implement packaging innovations, quality improvements, process improvements, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Support the development and specification of printed labels, shrink materials, gift packaging, and other specialty packaging.
• Evaluate global suppliers and packaging solutions to support worldwide sourcing needs.
• Maintain knowledge of emerging packaging technologies, materials, processes, and supplier capabilities.
• Support environmental and regulatory compliance requirements related to packaging components.

What You Bring to the Table

• BA LECT'S degree in Packaging Engineering, Engineering, or a related field AND 5+ years of packaging materials or packaging engineering experience OR 7+ years of combined education and work experience in CPG Packaging.
• Experience managing packaging projects from design through commercialization and production.
• Knowledge of packaging materials, testing procedures, specifications, and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong leadership, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Production teams, suppliers, and cross-functional partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate technical concepts across all levels of the organization.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective relationships across diverse functions and teams.
• Flexibility to adapt priorities and responsibilities based on business and team needs.

What Makes You Unique

• Experience in beverage, beverage alcohol, or consumer packaged goods (CPG).
• Experience with project management and approval platforms such as Wrike.
• Experience with promotional or gift packaging materials.

Working Arrangement

In-office at the Brown-Forman Louisville, Kentucky Corporate Headquarters Monday to Thursday, with flexibility to work remotely on Fridays.

Who We Are

We believe great people build great brands. And we know there is Nothing Better in the Market than a career at Brown-Forman. Being a part of Brown-Forman means you will grow both personally and professionally. You will have the opportunity to solve problems, seize opportunities, and generate bold ideas. You will belong to a place where teamwork matters and where you are encouraged to bring your best self to work.

Brown‑Forman Corporation has been building exceptional spirits brands for more than 150 years, responsibly upholding our founding promise of “Nothing Better in the Market.” Our portfolio of premium brands includes the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands, Woodford Reserve, Herradura, el Jimador, Korbel, New Mix, Old Forester, The Glendronach, Glenglassaugh, Benriach, Diplomático Rum, Chambord, Gin Mare, Fords Gin, Slane, and Coopers’ Craft. With a team of approximately 5,400 employees worldwide, we proudly share our passion for premium beverages in more than 170 countries.

What We Offer

Total Rewards at Brown-Forman is designed to engage our people to ensure sustainable and profitable growth for generations to come. As a premium spirits company, we offer equitable pay structures for individual and company performance alongside a premium employee experience. We offer a range of premium benefits that reflect our company values and meet the needs of our diverse workforce.

#LI Requisition Type: Employee Management Level: Leader Global Job Level: L2 Number of Openings Available: 1

Brown‑Forman Corporation is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. It is the policy of Brown-Forman Corporation to provide full and equal employment opportunities to all employees and potential employees without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability or any other legally protected status. Accommodations available upon request including an Interpreter.