Packaging Systems Senior Specialist

Job Details:As a Packaging Systems Senior Specialist, this role plays a critical role in managing and optimizing packaging-related data to support new product development, specification changes, and broader business initiatives. This position bridges technical expertise, data management, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and strategic use of packaging data across the organization. It is responsible for entering and validating data in both legacy and new Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems, querying data, generating reports, configuring and testing the new PLM system, migrating data, and supporting change management through documentation and training.This role also serves as a subject matter expert in Packaging, providing technical insights that influence operational efficiency and sustainability efforts. As a senior member of the team, it works with greater autonomy, takes ownership of complex or ambiguous problems, mentors others, and sets the standard for data quality and process discipline within the packaging function.Success requires acting as a trusted advisor—combining technical knowledge, data analysis, packaging expertise, and sound business judgment to provide independent, fact-based recommendations and influence decisions regardless of organizational level. This role must have the confidence to speak up, challenge assumptions, and respectfully disagree with peers, cross-functional partners, and leadership when data, facts, or business needs support a different course of action, and the professional courage to escalate risks, issues, and opportunities when appropriate.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesData Entry and QA – Gather and accurately input data from various sources into new PLM and legacy systems for New Product Development and Spec Changes. Ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency through regular audits and validation checks.Data Analysis and Reporting – Query and analyze data to identify trends, patterns, risks, and opportunities that support decision-making. Build regular and ad-hoc reports using PLM, Power BI, and Excel, translating complex data into clear business implications and recommended actions.Collaboration and Communication – Partner with internal stakeholders, external partners, and cross-functional teams to align business objectives and drive successful outcomes. Build credibility through expertise and judgment, communicate recommendations clearly, and constructively challenge assumptions when business, technical, operational, or data-related risks are identified.System Configuration and Testing – Support setup and configuration of the new PLM system to meet organizational needs, and conduct thorough testing to ensure business requirements are met and issues resolved.Data Migration – Query, merge, and clean data from legacy systems and various sources to migrate into the new PLM system, ensuring data integrity and accuracy.Documentation, Training, and Change Management – Create and maintain documentation and train users on processes, best practices, and reports. Act as a change champion by influencing adoption, addressing concerns, and providing trusted guidance for new processes and systems.Support, Maintenance, and Security – Provide ongoing PLM support and maintenance, addressing user issues promptly, and protect sensitive data by following IT Security measures and monitoring access controls.Project Management and Prioritization – Manage multiple projects—planning, execution, and monitoring progress—while independently assessing priorities, risks, and business impact. Provide recommendations and respectfully challenge decisions when conflicting priorities or assumptions could negatively impact outcomes, system integrity, or project success.Operational Excellence – Drive operational excellence by identifying inefficiencies, challenging legacy ways of working, and championing process improvements that enhance business performance and data quality.Packaging Expertise – Apply deep expertise in packaging data and its impact on business operations and sustainability. Act as a technical resource and SME for Packaging Engineers and the broader organization, anticipating risks and balancing technical requirements, cost, quality, and operational considerations. Exercise sound judgment amid incomplete or ambiguous data, and proactively seek clarification and escalate when necessary.Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing – Serve as a go-to resource for less-experienced team members—sharing best practices, coaching on tools and processes, and raising the overall capability of the packaging data function.RequirementsEducation: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or a significant amount of relevant experience in Packaging, Engineering, Computer Science, or Business Analytics.Work Experience: 3+ years of relevant and practical work experience is required with a Bachelor’s degree; 7+ years of relevant and practical work experience is required without an applicable degree. Additionally, prior exposure to product lifecycle management in food manufacturing is required.Technical SkillsStrong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.Strong project management, planning, and organizational skills.Strong data and analytical skills.Computer SkillsIntermediate to advanced proficiency in MS Office, Excel, SQL, Google Cloud (GCP), Power BI, and AI tools.Preferred familiarity with PLM/Specification Systems (Specright & Oracle), ERP Systems (SAP & DB2), Sustainability & Compliance Systems, Artwork Management Systems (Esko WebCenter), and Packaging Design Systems (TOPS & CAPE).Collaboration & CommunicationConfidently communicates recommendations, concerns, and technical concepts to cross-functional stakeholders through verbal, written, and presentation formats.Willing to respectfully challenge established processes, stakeholders, and leadership positions when supported by data and business rationale.Travel: 10–15% – domestic trips per year.Supervisory: No direct or indirect reports. May provide mentorship and guidance to interns of the Packaging Department.Position Specific Requirements:Applicants should either upload a resume to their application on Workday OR make sure their Career Profile in Workday is up to date and complete.Must reside in the United States to be considered.Local candidates will be given priority.Sponsorship is not available for this positionAll professional team members are expected to demonstrate responsible use of approved AI tools, including safeguarding sensitive information, adhering to company policies, and validating AI-generated outputs. Individual Contributors should demonstrate the ability to integrate AI into daily work, improve efficiency through AI-enabled solutions, evaluate outputs critically, and apply professional judgment when using AI. People Leaders should demonstrate the ability to drive responsible AI adoption, enable effective use of approved solutions, identify opportunities to improve team performance through AI, and ensure accountability for the quality and accuracy of AI-supported outcomes.Relocation Assistance Eligible:YesWork Shift:1ST SHIFT (United States of America)Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.Hourly Applicants ONLY -You must complete the task after submitting your application to provide additional information to be considered for employment.The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.If you would like to learn more about your data privacy rights and how you may use that information, please read our Job Applicant Privacy Notice here.Unsolicited Assistance: Tyson Foods and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited support from external recruitment vendors for open positions within the United States. Any resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee or applicant tracking system at Tyson Foods or its subsidiaries, without a valid written request and search agreement approved by HR, will be considered the property of Tyson Foods. No fees will be paid if the candidate is hired due to an unsolicited referral.SummaryLocation: Corporate - Springdale, ArkansasType: Full time