Manager of Global Packaging (Greater Cleveland)

Performance Health is seeking a Manager of Global Packaging to join our team in Akron, OH. The Manager, Global Packaging & EMO is responsible for leading, developing, and supporting team members to maximize performance, engagement, and job satisfaction while serving as a critical link between employees and senior leadership. This role balances people leadership with operational execution, ensuring projects and business objectives are delivered efficiently, on time, and within budget.

As a working manager, the individual actively contributes to team deliverables while fostering a positive, collaborative culture built on open communication, accountability, continuous improvement, and recognition of achievements. The Manager provides coaching, mentoring, and career development through regular one-on-one meetings, goal setting, performance feedback, and alignment of individual objectives with organizational priorities.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

Team Leadership and Coordination

• Manage, teach, and guide 4+ domestic and international team members, co-ops, and interns as direct reports, with responsibility for performance reviews, goals, and timecards
• Lead the team through multiple simultaneous projects while addressing daily business needs and resolving issues
• Coordinate work across Packaging, Product, and Graphics Engineering roles

Package Design and Documentation

• Execute, develop, educate, and continuously improve packaging protocol for various packaging design levels and testing protocols as assigned that minimizes the risk of product loss and / or damage
• Ability to resolve graphics and definition discrepancies between internal stakeholders and external suppliers / manufacturers.
• Knowledge of global packaging initiatives EU-MDR, EU-PPWR, UK-PPT, EU-Deforestation, France Triman, M2030, US EPR, or others is beneficial

Product Design and Documentation

• Lead complex component- or system-level design BOMs and develop costed BOMs
• Initiate and guide team members through DHFs for component or product revisions, maintaining required tracking and documentation, including specifications, BOPs, SOPs, technical files, DOCs, 510(k)s, and related requirements
• Lead product design, formula development, and customized solutions for standard products based on end-user requirements
• Train the team on design control and risk management principles
• Ensure documentation is clearly written and complies with company and customer requirements

Manufacturing, Innovation, and Continuous Improvement

• Apply a strong understanding of manufacturing processes to guide projects through all phases where GP&EMO has responsibility
• Drive strategic process improvements that increase efficiency, improve delivery, reduce costs, and strengthen business positioning, including packaging consolidation and graphics improvements
• Explore innovation opportunities by monitoring emerging materials, sustainability practices, processes, and technologies and developing new product concepts and prototypes
• Assist with patent searches, review competitive patents to prevent infringement and assess intellectual property potential, and work with legal counsel on new opportunities

Supplier Sourcing and Cost Management

• Source, evaluate, and approve packaging and rework suppliers
• Negotiate pricing with packaging, service, and rework suppliers

Regulatory Compliance and Quality

• Guide the team in applying regulatory requirements, including FDA, EU-MDR, GPSR, MoCRA, PPWR, EU-DR, and core marking requirements
• Lead NCMR, CAPA, and SCAR procedures and investigations, ensuring timely and effective solutions
• Perform root cause analysis and recommend design improvements using methods such as 5-Why, Fishbone, and 8D
• Represent GP&EMO during ISO or FDA audits as required

Project and Cross-Functional Management

• Lead design projects from conception through delivery, managing priorities, timelines, and required adjustments across multiple fast-moving initiatives
• Lead cross-functional teams, including suppliers, Sourcing, Product Management, and RA/QA, to deliver successful product and business outcomes
• Assess and negotiate cross-functional issues to support smooth and successful product launches
• Create project charters for larger-scale or high-visibility company initiatives as required

Technical, Analytical, and Communication Skills

• Develop calculations for inventory estimates and forecasts, break-even analyses, and ROI
• Apply strong analytical and troubleshooting capabilities
• Apply knowledge of GTINs, level assignments, symbology types, and GS1 allocation rules
• Communicate effectively with executives, cross-functional teams, regulatory bodies, customers, and stakeholders

Business Function Support

• Provide technical support and leadership to additional business functions:
• Sourcing: Support second-sourcing and product re-sourcing initiatives
• Product / Project: Provide timing, attribute, and budget input for future projects and strategic planning
• Regulatory: Provide technical input for product registrations and complaints
• Supply Chain: Resolve supply issues related to labeling, packaging, and rework
• Distribution and Customer Service: Resolve product inquiries, packaging issues, and complaints

AI & Digital Transformation Leadership

• Identify opportunities and drive adoption of Artificial Intelligence tools within packaging development and sourcing processes.
• Partner with IT and Digital Transformation teams to implement emerging technologies.
• Promote responsible AI usage while ensuring compliance with company governance and data standards.
• Champion automation and digital workflow improvements that reduce manual effort and accelerate project execution.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science
• 7+ years of packaging engineering, packaging development, or packaging operations experience
• 3+ years of leadership or people management experience
• 7+ years of experience managing global suppliers and packaging sourcing initiatives
• 3+ years of experience leading cross-functional projects in manufacturing, engineering, or supply chain environments
• 5+ years of experience developing packaging specifications, testing protocols, and engineering documentation
• Experience working within or closely with Sourcing, Product Management, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and RA/QA
• Ability to respond properly to common complaints from customers, regulatory, or members of the business community
• Proven ability to make quick and concise decisions
• Knowledge of Word, Excel, TOPs
• Proven ability to effectively manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously
• Ability to effectively present information to employees at all levels, managers, vendors, customers, manufacturing, and distribution
• Knowledge of ISO, FDA, EUDAMED regulations as they apply to medical devices and non-medical devices (in the US and international markets)
• Knowledge in basic packaging principles and GTIN application and allocation
• Demonstrate proficiency in Design Control (per FDA, ISO 13485 standards and MDR)
• Demonstrate proficiency in product Risk Management (analysis, evaluation and control)

Benefits

• Our benefits include healthcare; insurance benefits; retirement programs; paid time off plans; family and parenting leaves; wellness programs; discount purchase programs.
• This is a full-time position with a base salary range of $100,000 - $120,000 and the opportunity to earn bonus, plus benefits.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Performance Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability status, protected Veteran status, age, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by law.