Summary:

This position is responsible in carrying out the investigations, experimental design, packaging testing, decision making, and commercialization of new packaging, packaging renovation and packaging maintenance projects. In collaboration with cross-functional teams and working independently under the leadership of the Sr. Product Development Manager, the incumbent is responsible to manage project deliverables of multiple complex projects to contribute to achieving short and long term departmental and company objectives. This position will work closely with cross-functional partners in business development to carry out package design and development work leading to products that deliver on consumer needs. The position works collaboratively with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain functions to assure products consistently deliver on product design.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage multiple complex product and process development projects and programs with a high level of independence.
• Take ownership in problem identification and resolution to facilitate new or improved packaging, package upgrades, new or improved processes and cost-savings.
• Assure that package design fully incorporates plant insights and customer needs.
• Assure new and renovated packaging is fully integrated into production systems.
• Coordinate development of package features and benefits, storage, shipping, and handling information with organization to assure full regulatory compliance and successful communication with sales team and customers.
• Design products to achieve targeted pricing and margins with a detailed understanding of standard production cost models.
• Work with cross functional team to identify capital equipment needs to commercialize new products.
• Identify and recommend cost savings opportunities within current products.
• Have working knowledge of all regulations and agencies applicable to Baxters facilities and business streams.
• Participate in interactions with business development and customers to provide appropriate product information; network with sales representatives to understand opportunities
• High level contributor to developing data and assisting in presentations to senior leadership and customers.
• Participate in team and development activities (taste panel, meetings, committees, task forces).

Qualifications:

• Goal oriented individual with executional excellence.
• Creative problem-solving skills and an orientation towards innovation. Must be able to work with ambiguity, seek creative solutions, adaptable to change, be self-motivated, and demonstrate initiative.

• Demonstrate strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple projects.
• The ability to influence stakeholders and work closely with them to determine acceptable solutions.
• Process-oriented and well-organized.

• Effective team player, willing to contribute within a wide variety of areas. Ability to interface well and collaborate with cross-functional teams, customers, and suppliers.
• Experience in working with and presenting to customers and working in partnership with operations, marketing, procurement, and technical teams. Interprets customers’ requests and needs as well as identifies and leads customers to the best option to ensure operational success.
• Strong computer skills: Microsoft Office applications, experience with MS Project, Genesis, and Oracle a plus.
• Excellent communication skills – interpersonal, oral, and written.

Education & Experience

• BS degree in packaging engineering, mechanical engineering, or engineering background with emphasis on packaging.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience with food packaging.
• Technical knowledge with good reasoning and sound judgment abilities.

Working Conditions & Requirements:

• Work is performed during the day in an office and/or manufacturing or plant environment.
• Obey GMP’s and wear appropriate PPE while in production areas.
• The noise level in the work area ranges from quiet to loud. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to stand, reach with hands/arms, and occasionally lift or move up to 40 pounds.
• Full time, generally five-day, 40-hour work week.
• Travel 20-30%.
• Candidates are required to pass a drug test prior to beginning employment.
• Candidates should be prepared to submit 3-5 contacts for professional references.
• Able to work in office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments. Must be able to work flexible hours as needed based on production scheduling needs.

Compensation Package:

• Competitive Base Salary
• Matching 401(k) up to 4%
• Comprehensive Benefits Package to include Medical, Dental and Life Insurances.