Senior Packaging Engineer

OVERVIEW

Perfetti Van Melle (makers of Mentos, Airheads, Dentyne, Trident and Bubblicious!) is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of confectionery and chewing gum with global brands that are being enjoyed in more than 150 countries worldwide. We’re currently seeking a passionate and enthusiastic Senior Packaging Engineer to join our growing team.

The Senior Packaging Engineer will be responsible for managing global brands for PVM USA (Trident, Mentos, Dentyne, and Bubblicious), encompassing all aspects of the packaging life cycle. This individual will be responsible for packaging innovation and design, material specifications, and artwork management at the supplier level.

Strong interpersonal skills are essential, as this role requires close collaboration with marketing, production, finance, R&D, sales, the internal design agency, and customer service to implement innovative and cost-effective packaging solutions. The Senior Packaging Engineer will also work with external suppliers to enhance existing designs and establish quality expectations and standards.

As a senior-level engineer, the individual is expected to possess the ability and experience to manage complex situations and lead effective cross-functional teams.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Develop new package designs in support of new product initiatives, promotional activities, sustainability initiatives and production enhancements. Work closely with R&D, Sales and Marketing to provide accurate packaging scope and guidance on consumer deliverables
• Create detailed packaging specifications and acceptability criteria for all packaging.  Work internally or externally to develop technical drawings, material specifications, pallet patterns and finished packaging specifications
• Collect data, interpret results, and formulate detailed technical reports. Communicate recommendations and influence key cross functional stakeholders on business decisions 
• Lead press checks, commissioning plans, and factory acceptance tests for all new packaging designs. Work closely with local and group engineering to understand equipment requirements and tolerances.
• Lead line trials associated with new packaging/equipment. Single point of contact and technical project leader for all trials related to packaging materials  
• Collaborate with suppliers to drive material savings that result in cost savings, efficiency gains, improved LCA or consumer interaction. Strong interaction with local/regional procurement and group packaging to identify material optimization and unlock efficiency savings
• Evaluate innovative new packaging materials/equipment and lead cross functional project teams to make business recommendations
  Provide ongoing technical support for PVM plants, Co-Packers and Co-Manufacturers relative to process control settings, quality and troubleshooting. Work with global packaging colleagues to ensure that all packaging sold in the USA is compliant with all FDA, retail and consumer regulations
• Drive solutions to resolve most packaging issues that arise during manufacturing, logistics or consumer use
• Support packaging supplier technical capability audits and communicate risk/opportunities. Work with regional procurement and global packaging to help drive the overall supplier strategy.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Packaging Engineering, or a related field
• 5–10 years of experience as a packaging engineer, preferably with consumer packaged goods (CPG)
• Technical expertise in all materials traditionally used for CPG packaging, including corrugated, paperboard, flexible films, and rigid packaging
• Knowledge and experience with automated packaging equipment, including VFFS, HFFS, flow wrapping, blister packaging, and others
• Experience translating concept drawings into technical die lines
• Ability to communicate product design requirements and a curiosity for applying new materials or structures within the industry
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision
• Strong business acumen, along with excellent communication, interpersonal, influencing, and relationship-building skills
• Proven track record of identifying and implementing cost-saving initiatives
• Familiarity with FDA labeling and requirements for food-contact packaging materials (21 CFR)
• Ability to produce research, reports, and memos to support business unit objectives
• Strong project management skills, with experience leading cross-functional teams
• Knowledge of artwork processes associated with various printed packaging formats, including: Color management, Printing methods such as flexographic, rotogravure, digital, and offset
• Willingness to travel 5–10% for supplier qualifications, FATs, co-packers, and visits to other PVM operating companies

WHAT WE OFFER

At Perfetti Van Melle, we are committed to fostering a welcoming workplace, where all individuals, regardless of background or identity, are valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives to the sweet success of our candy-loving community. Additionally, we have a core value of Care For Our People and we are proud to offer benefit programs that support our team members' goals and well-being including:

• PTO package including vacation, sick, personal, and pay it forward time off  
• 13 paid holidays  
• 401k with Company Match up to 8%, ranking in the top 1% of the country
• Annual Bonus potential and merit-based increases  
• Comprehensive Health Insurance   
• Annual well-being subsidy
• Tuition-Free College Program or Free Continued Education (BA, Masters, etc.)
• Modest monthly candy allotment (Airheads, Airheads Xtremes, and Mentos)

The targeted annual base salary range for this position is: $68,000 - $91,000

Perfetti Van Melle considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary.

Perfetti Van Melle, USA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other applicable statutorily protected group status under local, state, or federal law.