Req Number MAN-17-00442

About the Organization Ventura Foods is a leading national manufacturer and marketer of branded and custom made shortenings, oils, dressings, sauces, margarines, culinary bases and pan coatings for the foodservice and retail industries. From East to West, Ventura keeps pace with the dynamic food marketplace by delivering high quality products at competitive prices. In fact, our company's growth is fueled by long-lasting profitable partnerships that benefit all parties. We do this by meeting the challenges of an ever-changing world by applying the strengths of our commercial resources, the talents of our employees and the opportunities created by new technologies. Throughout our rich history, one thing hasn't changed: the dedication to our customers and the consumers we are proud to serve.

Description

The Senior Packaging Engineer is responsible for the identification, development and commercialization of new, improved and/or cost-reduced structures and packages. They act as lead on technical projects and develop innovative approaches for achieving specific project objectives. They will coordinate all activities around active Packaging Engineering projects and will support multiple business units on various initiatives ranging from executing new packaging product launches, helping spec and install new packaging equipment, defining packaging process parameters for operations, developing packaging QA test procedures and performing new packaging supplier qualifications.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Champion Ideas for minimizing the cost of packaging components and improving operational performance and quality via systems and design optimization. Lead the qualification process for new suppliers and packaging including:
-Review of new Packaging Specifications for Feasibility
-Development and Execution of Qualification Protocol
-Supporting Shelf life and Distribution/ Performance Testing
-Determining Production Requirements and Capital Needed for New Packaging
-Developing Timelines for Project Completion

Lead the development process for new packaging concepts for Sales and Marketing initiatives.
This work includes the following tasks:
-Presenting Packaging Cost and Design Options
-Determining Techinical Feasibility in Production and Distribution
-Development of Concepts and Modification of Design based on Focus Group Feedback
-Determining Production Requirements and Capital Needed for Design
-Supporting Shelf life and Distribtution / Performance Testing
-Development and Exectution of Qualification Protocol

Develop and issue technical specifications and qualification reports for packaging systems and components. Align critical characteristics with QA requirements and Packaging Certificates of Analysis.

Identify new and applicable innovative packaging concepts for the company. Maintain and build upon a knowledge and understanding of emerging designs and technologies, recognizing supplier capabilities, competitor or industry benchmarking, customer requirements and practices, and consumer trends.

Travel up to 40%

SCOPE OF THE JOB:

Optimize current packaging configuration(s); identify best practices and be able to present them to all levels of the organization with the intent of directing teams to an appropriate conclusion; work with sales/marketing/R & D/Ops to insure new product development meets criteria of the market while maximizing plant efficiency.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

The Senior Packaging Engineer must have 4+ years of experience in packaging design, development, and evaluation, preferably in a consumer products environment. This individual should have a background in specifications (concept development through commercialization), as well as experience working with Operations, Sales and Marketing personnel. Plant experience and financial aptitude is a must, as is the ability to interact at all levels of the organization and handle multiple projects simultaneously. B.S. degree in packaging or engineering required.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL LEVEL:

This individual must possess a broad knowledge of packaging materials and systems, equipment, and testing procedures. Technical experience in: rigid plastics, flexible packaging, and corrugated is necessary. Strong team leadership skills are preferred.