Senior Manager- Packaging Technology and Innovation

Senior Manager- Packaging Technology and Innovation

Job Category: Purchasing Requisition Number: SENIO007356

Posted: March 2, 2026

Full-Time

On-site

Reser's Fine Foods - Corporate offices 15570 SW Jenkins Rd Beaverton, OR 97006, USA +1 more locations

Job Details

Description

The Sr. Manager – Packaging Technology & Innovation serves as the enterprise owner of packaging performance, acting as a project leader with the technical knowledge and business acumen to ensure packaging solutions meet operational, customer, and commercial objectives. This role thinks holistically about how packaging materials are designed, processed on manufacturing lines, perform through distribution, and present at retail. Rather than functioning as a hands-on engineering role, this position coordinates and leads cross-functional partners—including Operations, Engineering, FSQAR, Sourcing, suppliers, and external experts—to proactively identify risk, resolve issues, and drive packaging innovation and performance. The role ensures packaging decisions are aligned early, executed effectively, and deliver the intended business outcomes.

Essential Position Functions:

• Serves as the central project leader for packaging initiatives, coordinating cross-functional teams from ideation through commercialization and ongoing performance management.
• Thinks end-to-end about packaging performance, including material behavior on production lines, equipment compatibility, distribution and transit conditions, and retail handling.
• Provides early governance for new product launches, ensuring packaging risks are identified, evaluated, and mitigated before scale-up or launch.
• Leads structured troubleshooting of packaging issues by diagnosing root causes and engaging the appropriate internal and external partners to drive resolution.
• Partners with plant teams to support OEE and cost improvement initiatives, including scrap reduction, run-rate improvement, material efficiency, and changeover optimization.
• Drives packaging innovation and technology advancement by leveraging supplier engineering resources and external expertise, ensuring solutions are practical, scalable, and aligned with business needs.
• Establishes packaging standards, performance expectations, and repeatable processes to reduce variability and reactive work across plants.
• Ensures visibility to "line-to-shelf" performance, proactively addressing risks related to distribution, handling, and customer use.
• Improves customer outcomes by reducing packaging-related complaints and post-launch failures.
• Supports sustainability and packaging evolution initiatives through structured evaluation and performance validation.
• Acts as a key integrator between Procurement, Operations, Engineering, FSQAR, and suppliers to ensure packaging decisions support cost, speed-to-market, and operational efficiency.
• Leads change management associated with packaging changes, supplier transitions, or process improvements to ensure smooth execution and minimal disruption.
• Creates a positive team environment by including diverse perspectives, encouraging collaboration, providing recognition, and demonstrating transparency and empathy. Leads by example, encouraging team to support the vision, cornerstones, and values of the company.
• Establishes and communicates strategic plans and clear performance objectives for the team to achieve, ensuring understanding and buy-in. Ensures team members have the resources, information, and support needed to achieve objectives.
• Managerial responsibility for staff employment decisions in accordance with company policy.
• Performs special projects and related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in packaging development, manufacturing support, commercialization, or technical project leadership within CPG or food manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional, technically complex projects.
• Practical understanding of packaging materials, manufacturing equipment, and operational constraints.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong project management and organizational leadership skills.
• Technical fluency in packaging sufficient to assess risk, guide decisions, and engage subject-matter experts effectively.
• Systems-level thinker with the ability to balance operational, commercial, and customer considerations.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to drive structured issue resolution.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical issues into clear business actions.
• Ability to influence without direct authority across functions, plants, and suppliers.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with frequent cross-functional collaboration.
• Regular visits to manufacturing facilities where conditions may vary.
• Travel up to approximately 20% to plants, suppliers, and distribution environments as needed. Office environment.
• Flexible schedule may be required based on business needs.
• Exempt only: This position is eligible for a bonus based on company goals/performance.
• Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.