Packaging Manager

Job description

Independently lead highly complex packaging projects, platforms, and technical workstreams. Shape packaging technology strategy and contribute to long-term innovation roadmaps and 5 to 10-year packaging plans. Partner with senior R&D leadership to identify future technology opportunities and business growth enablers. Build and maintain a robust packaging innovation pipeline across business units and regions. Act as the recognized subject matter expert for packaging technologies, materials, processes, and emerging trends.

Provide technical guidance, feasibility assessments, and scientific expertise to packaging development teams globally. Evaluate and recommend packaging technologies that improve product performance, quality, sustainability, and operational efficiency. Identify and mitigate technical risks associated with packaging solutions and implementation activities. Bachelor's or Master's degree in Packaging Engineering, Engineering, Materials Science, Food Science, or a related technical discipline.

Minimum 10+ years of packaging development experience within a complex, matrix organisation. Demonstrated leadership of highly complex packaging projects, technology platforms, or innovation programmes. Experience influencing senior stakeholders and leading cross-functional initiatives across multiple regions. Technical & Strategic Expert knowledge of packaging technologies, materials, processes, and manufacturing systems.

Technology scouting and pipeline development. Innovation strategy and long-term roadmap planning. Scientific and technical problem solving. Risk assessment and feasibility evaluation. Strategic influencing and stakeholder management. Executive communication and presentation skills. Coaching and mentoring. Global collaboration and network building. Strong ownership, judgement, and decision-making capability. Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, research institutions, industry associations, and external technology partners.

Evaluate new technologies for potential application within the Kraft Heinz portfolio. Provide recommendations related to intellectual property, implementation constraints, and technology partnerships. Collaborate with packaging developers, technology leads, procurement partners, and cross-functional stakeholders across global regions. Support delivery of innovation, productivity, sustainability, and value engineering objectives.

Provides recommendations to senior leadership regarding technology adoption, strategic partnerships, intellectual property considerations, and implementation approaches. Operates with a high degree of independence while aligning decisions with company strategy and governance. Contributes to financial performance through innovation, risk reduction, quality improvement, operational efficiency, and business growth initiatives.

Delivery of strategic packaging innovation initiatives. Development and coaching of packaging talent.