Senior Packaging Engineer

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery is seeking an experienced Packaging Engineer to lead development, testing, and cost-reduction projects across Retail, In-Store Bakery, and Foodservice packaging. You will coordinate cross-functional teams to select materials, processes and equipment that meet cost and quality targets.

The role requires 5+ years in packaging or engineering, strong collaboration with Supply Chain and R&D, and travel 25-35% to support manufacturing initiatives and customer projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years work experience in packaging or engineering, preferably in CPG.
• Understanding of packaging materials, sustainability, food protections and packaging tests.
• Understanding of packaging equipment and ability to work with supply chain engineering on capital projects involving packaging solutions.
• Basic computer skills; proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity with Cape, TOPS, ArtiosCad, CAD.
• Ability to work independently and in teams; strong collaboration across functions.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; able to troubleshoot on the fly.
• Willingness to travel 25–35%.
• Ability to work in food allergen areas (nuts, dairy, egg, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Support packaging development for multiple product lines with related needs.
• Manage packaging development, technical applications and cost reduction projects.
• Lead resources in problem identification and resolution for new or improved packaging.
• Coordinate experiments and plant trials; present results in reports and reviews.
• Collaborate with Business Units, Insights/Innovation, Supply Chain Engineering, PDD/R, and Procurement to develop new packaging platforms.
• Provide technical support to project teams solving manufacturing problems.
• Ensure documentation, IP protection, and development of technical specs and BOMs.
• Foster excellent relationships with operations and external customers.
• Monitor packaging industry trends and apply to projects.
• Adhere to safety protocols and corporate policies.

Skills

Packaging engineering

CPG knowledge

Problem solving

Cross-functional teamwork

Food safety awareness

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in Packaging Engineering

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 25 - 35% of the time

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.