Manager of Global Packaging

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 & ResponsibilitiesTeam Leadership and CoordinationManage, teach, and guide 4+ domestic and international team members, co-ops, and interns as direct reports, with responsibility for performance reviews, goals, and timecardsLead the team through multiple simultaneous projects while addressing daily business needs and resolving issuesCoordinate work across Packaging, Product, and Graphics Engineering rolesPackage Design and DocumentationExecute, 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 damageAbility 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 DocumentationLead complex component- or system-level design BOMs and develop costed BOMsInitiate 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 requirementsLead product design, formula development, and customized solutions for standard products based on end-user requirementsTrain the team on design control and risk management principlesEnsure documentation is clearly written and complies with company and customer requirementsManufacturing, Innovation, and Continuous ImprovementApply a strong understanding of manufacturing processes to guide projects through all phases where GP&EMO has responsibilityDrive strategic process improvements that increase efficiency, improve delivery, reduce costs, and strengthen business positioning, including packaging consolidation and graphics improvementsExplore innovation opportunities by monitoring emerging materials, sustainability practices, processes, and technologies and developing new product concepts and prototypesAssist with patent searches, review competitive patents to prevent infringement and assess intellectual property potential, and work with legal counsel on new opportunitiesSupplier Sourcing and Cost ManagementSource, evaluate, and approve packaging and rework suppliersNegotiate pricing with packaging, service, and rework suppliersRegulatory Compliance and QualityGuide the team in applying regulatory requirements, including FDA, EU-MDR, GPSR, MoCRA, PPWR, EU-DR, and core marking requirementsLead NCMR, CAPA, and SCAR procedures and investigations, ensuring timely and effective solutionsPerform root cause analysis and recommend design improvements using methods such as 5-Why, Fishbone, and 8DRepresent GP&EMO during ISO or FDA audits as requiredProject and Cross-Functional ManagementLead design projects from conception through delivery, managing priorities, timelines, and required adjustments across multiple fast-moving initiativesLead cross-functional teams, including suppliers, Sourcing, Product Management, and RA/QA, to deliver successful product and business outcomesAssess and negotiate cross-functional issues to support smooth and successful product launchesCreate project charters for larger-scale or high-visibility company initiatives as requiredTechnical, Analytical, and Communication SkillsDevelop calculations for inventory estimates and forecasts, break-even analyses, and ROIApply strong analytical and troubleshooting capabilitiesApply knowledge of GTINs, level assignments, symbology types, and GS1 allocation rulesCommunicate effectively with executives, cross-functional teams, regulatory bodies, customers, and stakeholdersBusiness Function SupportProvide technical support and leadership to additional business functions:Sourcing: Support second-sourcing and product re-sourcing initiativesProduct / Project: Provide timing, attribute, and budget input for future projects and strategic planningRegulatory: Provide technical input for product registrations and complaintsSupply Chain: Resolve supply issues related to labeling, packaging, and reworkDistribution and Customer Service: Resolve product inquiries, packaging issues, and complaintsAI & Digital Transformation LeadershipIdentify 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 QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science7+ years of packaging engineering, packaging development, or packaging operations experience3+ years of leadership or people management experience7+ years of experience managing global suppliers and packaging sourcing initiatives3+ years of experience leading cross-functional projects in manufacturing, engineering, or supply chain environments5+ years of experience developing packaging specifications, testing protocols, and engineering documentationExperience working within or closely with Sourcing, Product Management, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and RA/QAAbility to respond properly to common complaints from customers, regulatory, or members of the business communityProven ability to make quick and concise decisionsKnowledge of Word, Excel, TOPsProven ability to effectively manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneouslyAbility to effectively present information to employees at all levels, managers, vendors, customers, manufacturing, and distributionKnowledge 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 allocationDemonstrate proficiency in Design Control (per FDA, ISO 13485 standards and MDR)Demonstrate proficiency in product Risk Management (analysis, evaluation and control)BenefitsOur 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.