Packaging Engineering Manager

At Lindt, we are a global fast-growing consumer goods company, enchanting the world with premium chocolate. We are driven by our passion for excellence and go the extra mile ensuring that every Lindt experience is nothing short of exceptional. Our collective efforts are geared towards making a positive impact, not only in the world of premium chocolate but also in the lives of our employees, customers, and communities. Our company embraces a culture defined by the core values of Excellence, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Responsibility, and Collaboration, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment where these principles drive our success.

Position Purpose:

This individual is responsible for the overall management of the Packaging Engineering department in Stratham, NH. This includes providing technical leadership, management, and supervision of department members as appropriate for all packaging projects. This person assumes overall responsibility for ensuring all packaging related projects are completed with a high standard of excellence and successful outcome relative to cost, schedule, and performance by applying the most suitable packaging technology.

This is a hybrid role that requires three days per week in our Stratham, NH corporate office.

Team Management

• Manage the planning and completion of all Package Engineering projects.
• Identify and implement process changes to drive continuous improvement within the department.
• Accountable for the short and long-term initiatives of the Package Engineering department.
• Develop and improve departmental procedures following ISO guidelines.
• Identify and lead the group's implementation of cost reduction opportunities in packaging materials and productivity improvements.
• Develop and implement functional packaging solutions to support the needs of Sales/Marketing, Operations, and Procurement.
• Provide technical guidance and direction to Packaging Engineers on assigned projects.

Project Management

• Implement and manage resource planning and project management tools; monitor and evaluate project and department progress and results.
• Manage 50+ simultaneous packaging projects (ranging from major through moderate scope projects) from concept to implementation.
• Works and communicates collaboratively with customers and internal cross-functional teams to understand user packaging needs, define project scope, etc.
• Lead and participate in cross-functional teams evaluating and improving critical company processes (e.g., New Product Development process, New Co-packer start-up, Packaging Rationalization, Sustainability, etc.)
• Manage plant trials of new packaging materials and any associated automation equipment.
• Lead NFR data collection and delivery.

Technical Knowledge and Communication

• Serve as key packaging contact for Lindt (USA) management as well as the Packaging departments of Ghirardelli, Russell Stover, and other Lindt countries.
• Act as the lead technical advisor for all packaging issues while delegating follow-up to key staff members.
• Act as the lead packaging contact for vendor related quality issues.
• Direct the ideation and development of strategic packaging initiatives including material and vendor selection and standardization.
• Identify and lead innovation opportunities that improve Lindt's ability to introduce compelling products, decrease costs, improve consumer value, or create sustainable competitive advantages.