Packaging Development Manager

About SOLUT!

SOLUT! is a manufacturer of sustainable foodservice packaging. We provide paper-based trays and mating plastic lids to various clientele, including food processors, grocery stores, restaurants, and venues. SOLUT! offers a variety of standard products and also develops custom products and packaging systems to suit customer needs.

As of Spring 2024, SOLUT! has transitioned to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Each employee of SOLUT! is now a co-owner of the business and accumulates shares in a retirement account over time. There is no initial or ongoing investment needed from employees to earn shares. As the company grows and accrues value, so too do the shares owned by employees.

Position Summary

This position will design, develop and create functional packaging systems, and validate new tooling for thermoformed paper trays and PET/PP thermoformed lids.  This position works directly with customers and in collaboration with Sales, Quality, Supply Chain, Manufacturing teams, and outside suppliers. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Develops custom primary packaging systems for customer specific applications. Designs and ideates to meet and/or anticipate customer needs. Interprets requirements into functional and manufacturable designs.
• Completes 3D models and drawings in SOLIDWORKS for new product development projects, including paper trays, PET/PP lids and other mating components.
• Validates new tooling for internally developed paper thermoformed trays and externally developed thermoformed lids.
• Capable of managing multiple projects, priorities, and shared resources simultaneously in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Responsible to ensure all new products, packaging, and material combinations are developed in compliance with FDA and SQF requirements.
• Initiates and completes all necessary testing, e.g. product performance testing, validation testing, fit/form/function, and compliance testing.
• Uses TOPS (or CAPE) to design case and pallet patterns for maximizing truckload volume.
• Uses Adobe Illustrator to design custom print/artwork applications.
• Leads prototype development, including creating customer-required samples.
• Works directly with plastic thermoforming suppliers in the design, development, and validation of plastic thermoformed products.
• Works directly with tooling manufacturers in the design and validation of tooling.
• Develops product specifications for newly-developed and existing products.
• Supports cross-functional team to drive product improvement, cost reduction, and product specification efforts.

Competencies

• Customer Focus: knows the customer is always first; strives for high customer satisfaction; goes out of the way to be helpful; manages difficult customer situations; responds promptly to customer needs
• Integrity: Supports Compliance programs and company culture. Maintains confidentiality; inspires trust and respect; does the right thing
• Teamwork: Works well in group situations; supports everyone’s efforts to succeed; contributes to building a positive team environment; shares expertise with others
• Communication: Balances listening and talking; speaks and writes clearly and accurately; influences others; communicates changes and progress; participates in meetings
• Data & process driven decision making: Applies design principles; quality problem solving; develops alternate solutions; develops realistic action plans; develops strategies to achieve organization goals
• Urgency without frenzy: Generates creative solutions; manages competing demands and unexpected events; excels at multi-tasking and prioritization, adapts strategy to changing conditions; prioritizes and plans work activities; sets goals and objectives.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of work; does what is needed without being asked; follows through; takes responsibility for own actions.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Must possess a high-level understanding of mechanical processes, tooling construction and function, manufacturing processes & equipment along with good visualization and problem-solving skills.

Required education and experience

• Bachelor Degree in Packaging Science/Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent
• 5+ years of experience with specific background working in design and validation of packaging, products, or tooling.
• Proficient in 3D Modeling / CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and 2D Technical Drawings.
• Experience in paper and/or plastic materials and processes preferred
• Demonstrates creative problem-solving around product design/functional package systems
• Familiar with TOPS / CAPE
• Knowledge of a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), preferably SQF 2000
• Knowledge of food safety, food defense, GMP, HACCP and overall quality of products being produced
• Proficient in MS Office Suite

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.