Packaging Group Leader - NA R&D

Job Description Are You Ready to Make It Happen at Mondelēz International? Join our Mission to Lead the Future of Snacking. Make It With Pride. This is a Packaging Development R&D position in the NA Business Unit responsible for delivering against the Productivity, Sustainability, Waste and Quality agendas, physically located in East Hanover, NJ. The individual must possess experience in managing people, package development, technical expertise in flexible films, rigid plastic trays, paperboard cartons and corrugate boxes and plant trial execution in the commercialization process in a fast‑paced environment. How You Will Contribute The individual must possess technical skills, the ability to learn on the fly and execute independently by leveraging their expertise and experience. This candidate must demonstrate the ability to be a strong team leader representing our technical organization. They must be able to find technical or process solutions when problems are identified during the qualification of packaging on our production lines, with timely and effective communication to key stakeholders such as local BD, Engineering, Manufacturing and Quality, as well as the cross‑functional team including Procurement, Marketing, PCDM, CS&L, Product and Process Development. Productivity, Waste & Quality Responsibilities The scope of this position is a Packaging Group Leader managing a small group of Junior Engineers, as well as a Project Lead executing against programs in the Sustainability and Productivity agendas. Lead the Productivity and Sustainability Group and serve as project lead for significant Packaging Development Initiatives supporting key NA Regional packaging programs. Accountable for delivering programs from concept to commercialization, working closely with Packaging and Procurement teams, operations, business teams, and other internal and external partners. Act as Packaging Development Leader for a Packaging Team, interacting with cross‑functional teams, managing timelines, providing timely communication and updates to Management, outlining issues, risks and contingency plans, and driving commercialization on Productivity and Commercialization packaging initiatives. Properly document and communicate project progress and findings to all key peer and Senior Leadership stakeholders. Focus on developing Junior Engineers’ technical expertise, improving their strengths and development needs, and providing career guidance. Responsible for the Packaging Team that will conduct and coordinate functional testing including plant trials, lab testing, shelf‑life studies and material vendor evaluations, including analysis of data, results and follow‑up recommendations and action plans. Direct reports are responsible, and the candidate is accountable for project deliverables. Maintain working knowledge of the specification system and others to support the role, develop written packaging specifications, and complete thorough plant trial reports. What You Will Bring Execute Productivity programs with high demand activities across the NA manufacturing network in Mexico, the US and Canada, covering all products including Biscuits, Chocolate and Candy. Support programs from concept initiation through commercialization and develop/lead timeline development, risk assessment and contingency plans to ensure execution on projects. Have a technical understanding of Packaging Specifications required for commercializing robust performance‑based specs and improving spec quality. Assess the spec portfolio and find productivity through optimization or harmonization across paperboard cartons, flexible films, corrugate cases and rigid plastic trays. Follow the I2M process (commercialization) for assigned projects and maintain communication with key stakeholders for implementation. Participate in project update meetings led by PCM and key cross‑functional team members or critical updates to senior leadership, providing accurate status updates with sufficient technical knowledge in a timely manner to avoid potential delays. Lead plant trials for packaging materials, working with cross‑functional teams (Marketing, Procurement, Business Development, Production, Supply Chain and Quality). Properly plan, coordinate and report each trial, provide appropriate technical support and troubleshooting to execute trial objectives and ensure proper documentation of each activity. Design, plan and conduct analytical testing, line trials and package performance testing. Build and maintain relationships with key pack material vendors on developing new concepts, materials and quality improvements. Leverage and challenge suppliers and partners to develop new technologies and cost‑advantage packaging formats and materials to achieve business goals. Troubleshoot technical challenges that arise from package development, line trials and commercialization. Additional Requirements Packaging Materials: Apply technical material knowledge to current projects; provide technical solutions. Must have experience with flexible films (as well as thermoforming rigid plastic trays, paperboard and corrugate). Packaging Equipment: Apply knowledge of equipment, operation, capacities, limitations and potential mechanical shortfalls. Packaging Evaluation: Apply knowledge of test methodologies for packaging materials specification development. Identify gaps within internal testing capabilities and recommend additional critical parameters, outlining procedures and working with quality teams. Product Packaging Interactions: Apply knowledge of product, process and package interactions along with modes of failure to make material recommendations and narrow down variables during development process. Demonstrated ability to work with all levels of the organization. Written and oral communication skills; able to effectively communicate to all levels within the organization. Ability to get results through working with a diverse team. Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage complexity. Executional excellence, time management and problem‑solving competencies. Education / Certifications Bachelor of Science degree in Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline. Job Specific Requirements Minimum of 8–10 years in a packaging development R&D role, preferred food experience. Experience managing and developing Engineers and achieving results through others. Experience working in a Research & Development function. Experience managing and conducting Packaging material plant trials. Planning and project management abilities. Experience in package development processes. Analytical and troubleshooting skills. Experience in development, trials and commercialization of packaging initiatives. Technical material skill set, ability to develop productivity ideas and commercialize. Travel Requirements Ability to travel up to 20% of the time for vendor/manufacturing trials. Work Schedule Onsite role based in East Hanover, NJ. Salary and Benefits The base salary range for this position is $109,000 to $149,875; the exact salary depends on several factors such as experience, skills, education and location. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for participation in a highly competitive bonus program with possibility for overachievement based on performance and company results. In addition, Mondelez International offers the following benefits: health insurance, wellness and family support programs, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plans, paid leave programs, education‑related programs, paid holidays and vacation time. Some of these benefits have eligibility requirements. Many of these benefits are subsidized or fully paid for by the company. No relocation support available. EEO and Equal Opportunity Statement Mondelez Global LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require accommodation to participate in the job application process may contact View phone number on click.appcast.io for assistance. Job Type Regular – Packaging Development & Engineering – Science & Engineering #J-18808-Ljbffr Mondelez International