Packaging Category Lead

Emmi Roth

Stoughton (WI)

On-site

USD 120,000 - 180,000

Full time

9 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance

401k Retirement Plan

Paid Holidays

Paid Vacation

Employee Assistance Program

Tuition Reimbursement

Pet insurance

Job summary

Emmi Roth, a leader in specialty cheese, seeks a Packaging Category Lead for North America to oversee design, development, and optimization across all packaging categories. You will partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and suppliers to drive sustainability, cost efficiency, and innovation.

The role requires strong technical packaging expertise, strategic sourcing, and international collaboration to support business growth through packaging technology and supplier partnerships.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Food Engineering, or related discipline.
5+ years of packaging engineering, packaging development, or packaging technology experience.
Experience in food, dairy, beverage, consumer packaged goods, or manufacturing environments.
Experience leading packaging qualification, validation, and cost optimization projects.
Strong understanding of packaging materials, performance, and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

Lead packaging design, development, and cost management for corrugated, rigid plastic, and flexible packaging.
Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Operations, and Sustainability to improve performance and cost.
Drive packaging innovation including recyclability and carbon reduction initiatives.
Lead supplier qualifications and implement new packaging solutions.
Provide technical, commercial, and market expertise for packaging materials and technologies.

Skills

Packaging engineering

Packaging development

Food packaging

Supplier management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in packaging/engineering

Job description

At Emmi Roth, we’re passionate about creating exceptional cheeses. As a leader in the specialty cheese industry, we blend traditional craftsmanship with innovation. Our commitment to local sourcing and quality makes us a trusted brand in the food industry.

Joining Emmi Roth means becoming part of a team that values creativity, collaboration, and a shared dedication to excellence. You’ll have the opportunity to work with some of the finest cheeses in the world while contributing to a company that prides itself on both heritage and progress. If you're passionate about food, craftsmanship, and making an impact, we’d love for you to be a part of our journey!

Summary

The Packaging Category Lead serves as the technical & commercial packaging expert for North America, providing leadership in packaging design, development, commercialization, and performance optimization across all packaging categories. This role partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and suppliers to implement innovative packaging solutions that improve product protection, manufacturing efficiency, sustainability, and total cost. While maintaining responsibility for strategic supplier relationships and designated procurement activities, the primary focus of the role is advancing packaging technology, driving innovation, and supporting business growth through technical packaging expertise.

Duties and Responsibilities

Packaging Engineering & Technology Leadership (Primary Focus)

Serve as the technical packaging SME across all USA entities followed by alignment and rollout across South American entities .
Lead packaging development, optimization, qualification, and cost management for corrugated, rigid plastic, and flexible packaging.
Partner with R&D, Quality, Operations, and Sustainability teams to improve packaging performance, manufacturability, sustainability, and total cost.
Challenge and harmonize packaging specifications, standards, and material selections across regions.
Drive packaging innovation initiatives, including recyclability, recycled content, carbon reduction, and new materials.
Lead packaging trials, supplier qualifications, and implementation of new packaging solutions.
Monitor packaging technologies, market trends, and regulatory requirements while providing technical expertise to the business.

Category Leadership & Strategic Sourcing

Lead the packaging agenda for U.S. operations and support alignment across South America.
Develop and execute category strategies for corrugated, rigid plastics, and flexible plastics.
Create multi-year roadmaps focused on innovation, sustainability, supply continuity, and cost competitiveness.
Analyze spend and supplier data to identify optimization and standardization opportunities.
Lead sourcing events, negotiations, and supplier selection activities.
Act as International Lead Buyer (ILB) for assigned packaging categories.

Supplier & Cross-Functional Leadership

Manage strategic supplier relationships and performance across cost, quality, service, innovation, and sustainability.
Develop supplier strategies and risk mitigation plans to ensure supply continuity.
Collaborate with Procurement, Operations, Quality, R&D, and Sustainability teams to execute packaging initiatives.
Serve as the key link between Group Procurement and regional stakeholders.

Accountabilities

Deliver packaging technology, innovation, and sustainability roadmaps across the Americas.
Achieve cost, quality, service, and sustainability objectives.
Drive packaging specification optimization and standardization.
Manage strategic supplier partnerships and sourcing governance.
Provide technical, commercial, and market expertise for packaging materials and technologies.

Qualifications

Required qualifications, skills, and experience for the job; education background, certifications, relevant work experience, technical skills, and soft skills.

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Food Engineering, or related technical discipline.
5+ years of packaging engineering, packaging development, or packaging technology experience.
Experience in food, dairy, beverage, consumer packaged goods, or manufacturing environments.
Experience leading packaging qualification, validation, and cost optimization projects.
Strong understanding of packaging materials, package performance, and manufacturing processes.

Preferred

Certified Packaging Professional (CPP).
Experience supporting packaging operations in a manufacturing environment.
Experience working directly with packaging suppliers to develop new materials and technologies.
Experience with sustainability-driven packaging initiatives.
Procurement or strategic sourcing experience.

Food safety & Regulatory Knowledge