Packaging Manager

Autoliv; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Recognition awards

Company events

University discount options

Gender pay equality

Job summary

Autoliv seeks a Packaging Manager to lead the strategic development and standardization of packaging solutions across global manufacturing and supply chain operations.

You will drive packaging concepts, optimize costs, and ensure compliance with IATF 16949 and sustainability goals while collaborating with engineering, logistics, and procurement teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Packaging Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of packaging engineering/management in automotive environments.
• Strong knowledge of returnable packaging systems, material handling, and logistics flows.
• Experience in highly regulated manufacturing environments (IATF 16949 preferred).
• Proven ability to manage multiple programs and stakeholders in fast-paced settings.
• Availability to work on site 4 days a week.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and approval of packaging concepts for new launches, changes and improvements.
• Manage packaging cost targets and assess total cost of ownership and logistics impact.
• Collaborate with Product/Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics and Purchasing.
• Oversee packaging trials, validation, and industrialization at sites; ensure proper documentation.
• Drive sustainability initiatives, including recyclable packaging and returnable systems.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor packaging engineers or coordinators.

Skills

Packaging engineering

Industrial engineering

Mechanical engineering

Logistics

IATF 16949 knowledge

Project management

Stakeholder management

Lean manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD tools

Packaging design software

Job description

The Packaging Manager is responsible for the strategic development, standardization, and execution of packaging solutions that support Autoliv’s global manufacturing and supply chain operations. This role ensures packaging designs protect product quality, support lean manufacturing objectives, reduce total landed cost, and comply with customer, regulatory, and sustainability requirements.

In this role you will beresponsible for

Packaging Strategy & Design

• Lead the development and approval of packaging concepts for new product launches, engineering changes, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure packaging designs meet OEM requirements, Autoliv internal standards, plant material handling needs, and transportation constraints.
• Drive standardization of returnable, expendable, and hybrid packaging systems across programs and regions.

Cost, Quality & Performance Optimization

• Manage packaging cost targets, including analysis of total cost of ownership (TCO) and logistics impact.
• Identify and implement opportunities for cost reduction, waste elimination, and space utilization improvement.
• Ensure packaging protects product integrity and supports zero‑defect quality expectations.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Product Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering during design and launch phases.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain, Logistics, and Purchasing on sourcing, supplier selection, and capacity planning.
• Support OEM and internal audits related to packaging, logistics, and material flow.

Operations & Implementation

• Oversee packaging trials, validation, and industrialization at manufacturing sites.
• Ensure proper documentation, including packaging drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
• Support plant teams with packaging troubleshooting, material handling ergonomics, and line‑side optimization.

Sustainability & Compliance

• Lead initiatives related to sustainable packaging, including returnable packaging expansion and material recyclability.
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 14001, customer standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Track and report packaging KPIs, including damage rates, returnable turns, and CO₂ impact.

Leadership & Governance

• Develop global or regional packaging standards, guidelines, and best practices.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to packaging engineers or site coordinators.
• Participate in global forums and continuous improvement initiatives within Autoliv.

What Is Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Logistics, or related field.
• 10+ years of packaging engineering or packaging management experience in a Tier 1 or OEM automotive environment.
• Strong knowledge of returnable packaging systems, material handling, and logistics flows.
• Experience working in highly regulated manufacturing environments (IATF 16949 preferred).
• Proven ability to manage multiple programs and stakeholders in a fast‑paced environment.
• Availability to work on site 4 times a week

Preferred

• Experience supporting global platforms or multi‑plant operations.
• Familiarity with automotive OEM packaging guidelines (e.g., GM, Ford, Stellantis, VW).
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, PFMEA, APQP, and launch readiness processes.
• Experience with CAD tools and packaging design software.
• Demonstrated success driving cost savings and sustainability initiatives.

In our international work setting, you will find a range of opportunities that are designed to enhance your career and personal development. Including new and different perspectives is part of what ensures the team’s success. We are committed to develop people’s skills, knowledge and creative potential. Our training and development programs emphasize technical competency, leadership development and business management skill.

More lives saved – more life lived!

What’s In It For You

• Attractive compensation package
• Recognition awards, company events, university discount options and many more perks.
• Gender Pay Equality

Autoliv is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Autoliv does not discriminate in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identify and/or expression, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Autoliv does business.