Packaging Project Manager

Cérélia North America; Liberty (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cérélia North America is seeking a Packaging Project Manager at our Liberty, SC facility within the R&D department. The role blends packaging materials expertise with hands-on project leadership to drive new packaging solutions on the production floor.

You will lead packaging-related R&D and improvement initiatives, collaborate across operations, engineering, quality, and procurement, and translate test data into actionable recommendations that cut costs and boost sustainability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in packaging or related field required.
• 3–7+ years of packaging experience in food/manufacturing.
• 5+ years of progressive project management experience.
• Experience supporting plant operations and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead packaging innovation projects from concept to commercialization.
• Manage timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams for project execution.
• Test, validate, and implement packaging changes.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Packaging expertise

Project management

Analytical mindset

Communication skills

Problem solving

Documentation

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging/related field

Tools

MS Office Suite

Packaging equipment

Job description

POSITION TITLE: Packaging Project Manager

POSITION STATUS: Full-Time, Permanent, Exempt

LOCATION: Liberty, SC

DEPARTMENT: R&D

REPORT TO: Simone Bauwens, Director of R&D And Business Development

EFFECTIVE DATE: May 2026

Position Profile

Cérélia's Frozen Breakfast Business Unit - US Waffle - is driving an ambitious growth strategy supported by its manufacturing facilities in Liberty, South Carolina and Hazelwood, Missouri. To support continued expansion and product innovation at our Liberty facility, we are seeking a skilled and driven Packaging Project Manager to join our team.

We are looking for a hands-on, technically strong, and highly collaborative professional who will serve as our internal expert on packaging materials and lead packaging-related R&D and improvement initiatives. This role is ideal for someone who combines deep knowledge of packaging materials and food applications with strong project management capabilities and a practical, plant-focused mindset.

This is not a purely strategic role. The Packaging Project Manager will be highly engaged on the production floor, working closely with packaging equipment specialists, operations teams, and suppliers to test, validate, and implement new packaging solutions. The role requires the ability to translate testing data into clear, actionable recommendations that drive results.

The successful candidate will lead packaging innovation projects, support material optimization efforts, and collaborate cross-functionally to improve packaging performance, cost efficiency, and sustainability. We are looking for someone who brings both technical expertise and strong execution skills—someone who can turn ideas into tangible outcomes.

This position plays a key role in supporting operational excellence, product quality, and continuous improvement across the facility.

This strategic position will report directly to the Director of R&D and Business Development of the Frozen Breakfast Business Unit.

Primary Responsibilities

2) Project Management and R&D

3) Testing, Validation, and Implementation

4) Continuous Improvement and Optimization

5) Cross-Functional Collaboration and Documentation

• Packaging Expertise and Material Strategy


• Serve as the internal subject matter expert on packaging materials


• Define and promote best practices for packaging material selection based on product protection, shelf life, manufacturability, cost, and sustainability


• Evaluate new packaging technologies and recommend improvements aligned with business goals


• Partner with procurement to identify, evaluate, and qualify new materials and suppliers


• Lead packaging-related R&D and improvement projects from concept through commercialization


• Develop and manage project timelines, milestones, and deliverables


• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of projects


• Manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced manufacturing environment


• Work closely with packaging equipment specialists and plant teams to execute line trials and testing activities


• Design and oversee packaging trials including performance, shelf-life, and transportation testing


• Analyze test results and translate findings into clear, actionable next steps


• Ensure successful implementation of packaging changes into production


• Identify opportunities to improve packaging performance, reduce cost, and enhance sustainability


• Drive initiatives to optimize material usage, reduce waste, and improve efficiency


• Support troubleshooting of packaging-related issues on the production floor


• Partner with operations, engineering, quality, procurement, and suppliers to support packaging initiatives


• Communicate project updates, risks, and results to leadership


• Maintain accurate documentation for trials, specifications, test protocols, observations, and project progress


• Create items in the ERP system, follow up with other collaborators on their contributions and lead clearance meetings to launch new items.


• Compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements related to packaging

Core Competencies

• Drive High Performance: Establishes clear accountability for outcomes. Demonstrates focus and discipline in planning and execution. Acts with speed, agility and demonstrates a sense of urgency to keep momentum


• Collaborate: Builds and maintains strong relationships and makes commitments to others and follows through. Actively listens and communicates openly. Engages constructively in debates. Supports and executes decisions once made


• Can-do attitude: Demonstrates a positive, solution-focused approach, actively seeks out opportunities to improve processes, and readily tackles challenges with resilience and enthusiasm. Thrives in dynamic environments and is motivated by delivering impactful results


• Innovate: Challenges the status quo by proactively identifying opportunities for improvement. encourages sharing best practices, creativity, and experimentation; learns from setbacks and adapts quickly


• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Exhibits precision and thoroughness, consistently producing reliable work. Demonstrates diligence in reviewing data, identifying discrepancies promptly, and ensuring adherence to high standards of quality and compliance

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Food Science, Materials Science, Engineering, or related field preferred


• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered

Experience

• 3–7+ years of experience in packaging, preferably within food manufacturing or consumer goods


• 5+ years progressive project management experience required


• Proven experience managing projects and leading cross-functional initiatives.


• Experience working in a manufacturing environment and supporting plant operations

Knowledge and Certifications

• Basic understanding of food labeling regulatory requirements


• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, food packaging requirements, and testing methods


• Familiarity with packaging equipment, line trials, and commercialization processes


• Knowledge of sustainability trends and recyclable/alternative materials is a plus


• PMP or other project management certification is a plus

Skills And Competencies

• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and drive decisions


• Effective communication and ability to influence without direct authority


• High degree of proficiency in MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications


• Strong documentation and follow-through


• Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management (from conception to completion), & planning skills

Physical/Working Conditions & Decision-Making Authority

Physical/Working Conditions

• Regular presence on the manufacturing floor


• Ability to walk the facility, climb stairs, and stand for extended periods


• May occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.


• Must be able to wear required PPE and work in production environments with noise, temperature variation, and moving equipment.


• May work flexible hours to support trials, testing, and project implementation

Decision-Making/Authority

• Recommends packaging materials, specifications, and process improvements


• Leads packaging-related project decisions within scope


• Has authority to initiate and coordinate trials and testing activities


• Escalates risks, delays, and major decisions to leadership as needed

Success Profile

A successful Packaging Project Manager:

• Drives packaging projects from concept to successful implementation


• Improves packaging performance, cost efficiency, and sustainability


• Builds strong partnerships with operations, engineering, and suppliers
  
• Translates technical data into practical, plant-ready solutions


• Brings a balance of technical expertise and hands-on execution to the manufacturing floor