Senior Packaging Engineer

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery; Oakbrook Terrace (IL); On-site; USD 115,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery is seeking a packaging engineering leader to organize and drive packaging development, innovation, and cost-reduction initiatives across Retail, In-Store Bakery, and Foodservice. You will lead cross-functional teams, coordinate experiments, and translate results into scalable packaging solutions.

Requirements include a Bachelor's or Master’s in Packaging Engineering or related field, 5+ years in packaging or engineering, and ability to travel up to 50% or relocate to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years work experience in packaging or engineering industry, CPG preferred.
• Understanding of packaging materials, sustainability, and packaging tests.
• Experience with packaging equipment and capital projects.
• Ability to travel up to 50% or relocate to Traverse City, MI area.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple packaging development, technical application, and cost-reduction projects.
• Lead resources in problem identification/resolution for packaging improvements.
• Coordinate experiments and plant trials; report results.
• Collaborate with BU, Insights/Innovation, Supply Chain Eng, and Procurement.
• Develop and protect IP, issue technical specs and BOMs.

Skills

Packaging Eng.

Project Mgmt

Cross-functional

Analytical

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Packaging Eng.

Tools

Cape

Tops

ArtiosCad

CAD

Job description

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery became a stand-alone company in 2018 when it was purchased by Kohlberg and Company (private equity) from Tyson Foods. We have the feel of start up in many ways, though we are an established brand with a strong customer and consumer base. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, continually seek process improvements and a strong sense of customer service, then this is the right type of environment for you.

Our vision is to be the world’s most beloved bakery by creating irresistible foods, growing with our customers, and delivering value for all. We believe that each of us has unique points of difference and experience to offer. We believe that there is always a better way, and we will never be satisfied with status quo. We believe simplicity enables speed. We believe in integrity above all. We live for food, and we “wow” consumers and customers through collaboration and innovation.

Summary

This role will be responsible for organizing, planning, managing and executing packaging Innovation, development and cost reduction projects across Retail, In-Store Bakery, and Foodservice businesses. This individual will work with project teams to investigate and recommend materials, processes, innovation, packaging, and equipment to bring assigned project successfully to market. The individual in this role will also support Supply Chain and BU function in manufacturing of packages that meet customer and consumer expectation for character, cost, and quality across various product categories.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support assigned business/product lines with all package development needs
• Manage multiple packaging development, technical application, and cost reduction projects and/or programs
• Lead assigned resources in problem identification and problem resolution to facilitate new or improved packages, packaging upgrades, new or improved processes and cost savings
• Coordinate and execute experiments, as well as plant trials; prepare results in technical reports, both written and oral, for review with minimal supervision
• Work as a cross functional resource with Business Units, Insights/Innovation, Supply Chain Engineering, Product Development R&D, and Procurement to develop new packaging platforms to support product innovation
• Provide technical support to project teams to solve manufacturing problems
• Assure all projects are seen through to completion including documentation and protection of intellectual property as well as development and issuing of technical specifications, Bill of Materials, and relevant packaging documentation.
• Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with operations/divisional management and external customers
• Leverage external vendors and work directly with procurement
• Maintain awareness of technical trends and developments in the packaging industry
• Perform all activities in a safe manner and within the context of all Sara Lee Frozen Bakery safety protocols

The position responsibilities outlined above are not to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties and responsibilities may be required and/or assigned as necessary.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree Packaging Engineering or related field
• Minimum of 5 years work experience in packaging or engineering industry, CPG preferred
• Understanding of product and packaging interactions, sustainability, food protections and packaging tests
• Understanding of packaging equipment, packaging processes and ability to work with supply chain engineering on capital projects involving packaging solutions
• Basic computer skills required; competence in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; familiarity with Cape, Tops, ArtiosCad, CAD, etc.
• Ability to work independently, self-starter, as well as good teamwork skills and ability to foster cross-functional partnerships
• Strong analytical and logical problem- solving skills; trouble shooting skills with the ability to “think on their feet”
• Ability to manage multiple projects on an ongoing basis, executing with excellence
• Ability to work in food allergen areas (Nuts, Dairy, Egg, etc.)
• Ability to travel to this facility 50% of the time or relocate to Traverse City, MI area.

Benefits & Compensation:

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery offers a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to support your whole-life well-being. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, tax-advantaged savings accounts (HSA/FSA), a 401(k) plan with company match, company-paid life and disability insurance, and access to wellness resources such as virtual healthcare and an employee assistance program. Employees are also provided a generous paid-time off program including company-paid holidays.

Compensation is based on factors such as experience, education, skills, and role scope, ensuring a fair and competitive salary aligned with market standards. - $115,000-135,000 + bonus

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.