Senior Packaging Engineer (PET (rPET), Polymer Science
Location – Chicago (relocation considered)
The Senior Packaging Engineer plays a key role in the journey in delivering the Mars Wrigley Global Circular Packaging agenda. This role is part of our Packaging Research and Development team and provides critical technical expertise and program leadership within the space of recycled PET (rPET).
You will be a natural collaborator, with knowledge of emerging packaging technologies, material research and circular packaging development to inspire teams and management on the framing and execution of packaging sustainability technologies and programs. You will build and maintain a vibrant internal and external network across different functions in the business, packaging suppliers and external packaging and sustainability experts. Your role will have a specific focus on the polymer science and processing / conversion of rPET packaging formats, with knowledge of the appropriate recycling infrastructure technologies (now and future) for rPET.
Our ambition of this sustainability transformation is by 2025
Deliver on our circular packaging commitments, including 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable packaging, a 25% reduction in virgin plastic and 30% average recycled content in plastic packaging
Pilot and scale new delivery models that eliminate or reduce single use packaging, as well as innovative trials of new packaging materials
Partner externally to advocate for and influence advances in packaging collection, sorting and recycling infrastructure to close the loop for our packaging Develop capabilities, ways of working and resources to embed sustainability as a core part of our growth agenda
This position requires very deep technical knowhow and experience in tactical execution to define and execute a portfolio of complex projects, looking at new perspectives to solve existing and new brand solutions and any area of technical expertise. This position also requires a strong technical foundation in packaging development, project management, and complex commercialization execution. Individuals in this role will need to be able to:
develop and manage complex project timelines
develop and execute material and finished pack testing protocols
appropriately assess risk and contingency plans
possess strong communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills
The Senior Packaging Engineer possesses an expert level drive for results, excellent project management skills, a highly creative and entrepreneurial growth mindset, and creates strong networks and relationships to drive the innovation agenda. They have expert working knowledge in Design Thinking, they work independently, and they build effective cross functional working teams to drive projects to execution.
What are we looking for?
Bachelor’s and/or Master’s Degree in Packaging Engineering or Packaging Science.
Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering with at least 5 years relevant Packaging R&D experience also acceptable.
Minimum 5 years Packaging R&D experience in FMCG required. Prefer 10 years experience working in Packaging R&D
8+ years’ experience working on packaging projects, materials, manufacturing or converting
Subject matter expert in Packaging systems, Packaging materials and Packaging technologies. Robust experience utilizing scientific principles to solve technical problems.
Knowledge of food packaging fundamentals and application to the product development process
Established industry relationships and strong knowledge in the areas of sustainability: rPET polymer science, processing / conversion, recycling infrastructure technology
Strategic thinking: Ability to understand the business strategy and work within sometimes ambiguous constraints. Ability to demonstrate technical strategy development and execution.
Leadership skills: Proven ability to drive large scale & complex initiatives complex packaging program from concept through qualification and to influence without authority.
Technical leadership and strong Project Management, proven for complex initiatives and programs.
Ability to work effectively in cross functional teams and with external suppliers
Strong written and verbal communication skills especially when simplifying complex technical concepts across functions and levels of the organization.
Travel as needed
What will be your key responsibilities?
Act as key partner that global and regional project teams and functions can consult for expertise, guidance and clarity on the program specific to rPET
Act as a technical leader for key elements of the work, accountable for specific projects and pilots to deliver “designed for circularity” in addition to the broader coordination responsibility
Bring in external opportunities and knowledge to strengthen the program, keeping up to speed with key developments
Responsible for the process to identify and implement opportunities for recycled content for food contact rigid pack formats and plastic films, working close with suppliers.
Partner with Global innovation and sustainability teams, Regional brand teams and cross-functional experts to develop and implement the programs which deliver against the Packaging Sustainability strategy for the NA region.
Provides subject matter leadership in Packaging. Apply robust material science principles for establishing material specification and fit for use analysis across the portfolio.
Establish, develop and champion critical partnerships with external networks and provide perspective of industry connections to internal teams to advance technical bench strength. Work with external partners and other Mars regions or segments to develop and leverage strategic suppliers and consulting networks (including Universities) to effectively bring new ideas to life. Share and collaborate pro-actively within global packaging team
Coach, mentor and develop associates across the packaging team in the technologies, external developments and critical knowledge areas within the sustainability landscape
Provide key technical guidance for qualification of new technologies, assessment of new materials or suppliers, define methods of establishing and adhering to quality programs and partners with peer R&D functions to deliver total quality systems.
Responsible for leading packaging development activities and is accountable for the execution of the allocated programs and work streams to bring project through to commercialization in partnership with Regional team following Global-Regional R&D operating model.
Ensures that the packaging development for extending core, and breakthrough product designs are delivered for the brands and that they are designed to meet the brand KQA’s.
Ensures that the packaging development process is carried out such that timelines are met to market products.
Ensures that the packaging specifications are as accurate as possible and relevant to ensure correct costing.
Ensures that Packaging quality and Manufacturing quality performance measures standards and corrective actions are specified for each new and current packaging to ensure performance at the required level for all manufactured products.
Works with cross-functional teams, employing ‘design thinking’ to deliver Desirable, Viable, Feasible and Sustainable innovation, leading projects of different levels of complexity at the same time
What can you expect from Mars?
Work with over 130,000 like-minded and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
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