Manager, Package Engineer

Manager, Package Engineering

Ocean Spray is hiring for a Manager, Package Engineer! We're a team of farmers, thinkers, creators, and doers. Whatever your title, whatever your role — it always comes back to this: we're a farmer-owned co-op where everyone rolls up their sleeves to get the job done. Three maverick farmers started it all — and we've been making our own way ever since.

Position Location: We're all about flexibility! This will be a hybrid role based out of our corporate headquarters in Lakeville, MA with Mondays and Fridays remote.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Manager, Package Engineering to lead our packaging innovation and development efforts within the food and beverage sector. This role is responsible for driving the design, development, and implementation of packaging solutions that align with brand strategy, sustainability goals, and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will bring a strong technical background, leadership capabilities, and a passion for delivering high-quality, consumer-centric packaging in a fast-paced CPG environment.

A Day in the Life...

• Lead and manage the Package Engineering team, providing technical direction, mentorship, and performance management.
• Develop and execute packaging strategies that support product innovation, cost optimization, and sustainability initiatives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, Quality, Procurement, and R&D to ensure packaging solutions meet business and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the design, testing, and validation of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging for new and existing products.
• Manage packaging development timelines and budgets, ensuring on-time and on-cost delivery of projects.
• Evaluate and implement new packaging materials, technologies, and equipment to enhance product performance and shelf appeal.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, regulatory, and environmental standards.
• Partner with suppliers and co-manufacturers to drive continuous improvement and innovation in packaging.
• Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge.

What We Are Looking For:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in packaging development within the food, beverage, or broader CPG industry.
• At least 2 years of experience in a leadership or managerial role.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials (plastics, paperboard, glass, metal, flexible films) and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with packaging testing protocols, shelf-life studies, and regulatory compliance (FDA, USDA, etc.).
• Proficiency in CAD software and packaging design tools.
• Familiarity with sustainability practices and life cycle analysis (LCA) in packaging.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.

Preferred

• Master's degree preferred.
• Beneficial certifications/application knowledge

Physical Requirements

• Requires the ability to travel by plane on a frequent basis.

Education:

Bachelor's or University Degree (Required) Master's Degree (Preferred)

Work Experience:

At least 5 Years of Experience

Annual Salary:

$116,300 - $159,940

The base salary range information above serves as a guideline of the position's typical hiring range. We value and appreciate what makes you unique and will consider a variety of factors when determining an offer. These factors include, but are not limited to, your skills and experience, external and internal benchmarks, as well as overall company considerations. Certain positions may be eligible for short-term and long-term incentive rewards. We also offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits program that supports all aspects of your health and well-being.

Benefits:

• Complete insurance package on Day-1 that includes a plethora of health and wellness programs
• Health, Dental and Vision insurance
• Health savings account
• Flexible spending account
• Life and accident insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Telehealth services
• 1:1 health coaching
• Supportive benefits for all the stages of your life
• 401(k) with up to 6% Company matching; additional potential discretionary match at year-end
• Short-Term Incentive/Performance bonuses
• Flexible scheduling options
• Vacation pay, up to three weeks of time (pro-rated for your first year of employment)
• Holiday pay for 12 holidays
• Career development and growth opportunities
• Tuition/Education assistance programs
• Access to LinkedIn Learning
• Scholarship programs for children of employees
• Parental leave
• Bright Horizons Family Solutions – Back-up care, tutoring, etc.
• Adoption assistance
• Bereavement leave
• Up to $300 fitness reimbursement
• Up to $300 massage reimbursement
• Employee appreciation events
• Employee discounts
• Charitable giving

Who We Are:

You might have our iconic cranberry juice in your fridge or have gotten into heated holiday debate about what's better - canned or fresh cranberry sauce. But did you know that the hardworking people growing the superfruit in our products are 700 family farmers that own our cooperative? They entrust us with what is most precious to them to create new and innovative products that will delight consumers and grow this beloved brand today and into the future. Team members, farmers, consumers and communities alike--we value what makes us unique and strive to connect our farms to families for a better life by living our values:

• Grower Mindset – We embrace our grower-owners innovative spirit and heritage through confidence, learning and focus on the future.
• Sustainable Results – Guided by purpose, we are focused on delivering results for our grower-owners.
• Integrity Above All – We are ethical, doing the right thing for our grower-owners, customers, consumers and each other
• Inclusive Teamwork – We build diverse and inclusive teams that strengthen our cooperative.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

For MA Applicants – It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. Any employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.