Senior Manager, COE Quality in Design, Packaging

The Senior Manager, Quality in Design (Packaging) ensures packaging systems, materials, and technologies are designed, developed, and commercialized in accordance with Quality & Food Safety requirements while supporting an exceptional consumer experience, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, sustainability goals, and business performance. As the QFS packaging subject matter expert, this role partners with QFS Supply, Packaging R&I, Product Development, Manufacturing, Procurement, Sustainability, Regulatory Affairs, PMO, and Engineering throughout the project lifecycle to identify and mitigate design risks early and enable successful, first-time-right launches. Job Summary We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented professional to strengthen packaging quality systems, standards, governance, and capabilities through continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is a proactive, adaptable communicator who can drive innovation, support organizational success, and make a meaningful impact. Key Responsibilities As a key member of our team, you will play an important role in driving our mission forward. The following responsibilities outline the core expectations and contributions for this position Packaging Quality in Design Leadership Serve as the QFS lead for packaging innovation, renovation, productivity, and sustainability projects. Ensure packaging solutions are designed to meet food safety, quality, regulatory, operational, and consumer requirements. Drive early identification and mitigation of packaging-related quality and food safety risks during project development. Provide technical leadership during stage-gate reviews and commercialization activities. Establish Quality in Design principles within packaging development and deployment processes Packaging Risk Assessment & Technical Governance Lead packaging risk assessments related to Food contact compliance, Packaging integrity, Shelf-life performance, Migration risks, Tamper evidence, Product protection, Distribution performance and Consumer use and disposal Develop and approve packaging control strategies and validation requirements. Develop and maintain packaging-related quality standards and specifications. Monitor emerging risks, industry trends, and new regulatory requirements impacting packaging. Partner with Packaging R&I teams to support New product development, Packaging innovation, Sustainability initiatives, Productivity programs, Reformulations and renovations Ensure robust qualification and validation plans are executed before launch. Support industrial trials, first production runs, and commercialization activities. Lead quality reviews of packaging changes and assess business impact. Collaborate with Supplier Quality and Procurement teams to ensure packaging supplier qualification, approval, performance improvement and root cause investigations. Support development of packaging material specifications and acceptance criteria. Regulatory & Compliance Ensure compliance with regulations and Global Danone packaging standards Partner with Regulatory Affairs on packaging claims, labeling interfaces, and compliance requirements. Support internal and external audits involving packaging systems and controls Sustainability Initiatives Provide QFS leadership for sustainability projects Assess risks associated with new sustainable packaging technologies and materials. Ensure sustainability objectives are achieved without compromising quality, food safety, or consumer experience. Develop and track key performance indicators related to Packaging-related consumer complaints Launch success Drive standardization and continuous improvement across categories and manufacturing sites. Cross-functional Collaboration Build strong relationships, collaborate and strengthen cross-functional ways of working to deliver products that meet Danone requirements. Develop partnerships with global functional peers and participate in cross-business initiatives where applicable. Enable excellence in execution by connecting policy and standards with the realities of plant, innovation, commercialization and supply operations. Ensure robust documentation, record keeping, knowledge management and continuity of critical processes. Passion for standardization and finding synergies through continuous improvement mindset. Physical Demands & Work Environment This role is performed in a standard office setting as well as on floor in the manufacturing plant. It requires the ability to remain in a stationary position (e.g., seated or standing) for extended periods. The employee may be exposed to moderate noise levels from office equipment and conversations. Hybrid or remote work arrangements may apply, which can introduce variability in work settings. Travel 25-35% The salary range for this position is $111,000.00 – $159,000.00 USD. The exact salary offered will depend on several factors, including the candidate’s relevant experience, geographic location, internal equity, and market conditions. Danone USA additionally offers a performance-based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options. To give our employees flexibility, Danone is a hybrid work environment. This role is considered a “hybrid” position that allows for flexible work, meaning it is a role where collaboration with key stakeholders in Danone Hubs occurs. While you may have the option to work from home on a schedule as agreed to with your supervisor, you are also expected to regularly report to your assigned office location at least 3 days per week. About You The ideal candidate will bring a combination of education, experience, and skills that enable them to excel in this position. The following qualifications outline what we’re looking for, including both required and preferred criteria Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Food Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Engineering, Quality, or related technical discipline. Advanced degree preferred. 10+ years of experience in packaging quality, packaging development, food manufacturing, quality systems, or commercialization. Experience supporting innovation and new product development projects. Experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing senior stakeholders. Experience with packaging supplier management and qualification. Experience in food, beverage, dairy, infant nutrition, or consumer packaged goods preferred. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence at all organizational levels, and drive cultural change. Strong knowledge of Packaging Quality by Design principles, Food-contact regulations, Packaging validation and qualification, Packaging integrity testing, Shelf-life evaluation, Distribution testing and Sustainable packaging technologies Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to train, mentor, and engage diverse teams. Excellent knowledge of Root cause analysis and risk assessment methodologies, GMP, HACCP, SQF and FSSC 22000 systems, Statistical analysis and data-driven decision-making The ideal candidate for this role excels in a hands-on support environment. Leadership behavior Strategic vision, leadership Desire to always find the best solution with resilience and prudence Ability to take decisions, taking risks into account Constant search for new solutions and technologies (external networking) Interaction/communication with other departments Optimism, creativity, and drive action Accuracy and discipline Critical thinking Ability to express complex issues in a simple and easy way Strong leadership and collaboration skills to drive change within the organization. Strong focus on enabling excellence in execution. Facts and data driven, with strong synthesis and analytical capabilities About us Life at Danone With 5,000 employees across two headquarters and 10+ U.S. manufacturing locations, Danone offers a vibrant culture, meaningful work and growth opportunities that make employees proud to be Danoners. Rooted in our mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible, Danone is proud to be the world’s largest B Corp. Learn more about Life at Danone Our Brands Activia, Danimals, Oikos, Silk, Dannon, evian, International Delight, STŌK Cold Brew Coffee Our benefits support your physical, mental, financial and family wellbeing through health coverage, flexible time off, retirement savings, family care support and more. Learn more about our benefits. Equal Opportunity Employer Danone USA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial and/or local law. For our EEO policy statement and your EEO rights under law click here. #J-18808-Ljbffr