Manager, R&D - Packaging Development

Location: Glenview R&D Center, Glenview, Illinois, United States

Base salary: $104,200–$130,200 per year, plus eligibility for a performance-based bonus.

Company

A global food and beverage company developing and commercializing consumer and foodservice products and packaging solutions.

What you will do

• Lead a team of packaging developers and potentially oversee contractors.
• Lead packaging development and commercialization of materials and packaging systems for short- and long-term business objectives.
• Develop work plans, manage technical timelines, communicate progress, escalate risks, and create contingency plans.
• Identify and solve technical packaging challenges while ensuring solutions are feasible, manufacturable, and fit for purpose.
• Lead or support packaging testing, qualification, and commercialization across laboratory and production environments.
• Coach and develop junior team members while influencing project direction with Operations, Marketing, and other cross-functional partners.

Requirements

• BS or MS in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 6 years of relevant experience with a bachelor's degree, 5 years with a master's degree, or 4 years with a PhD in packaging development within CPG, food and beverage, or a related industry.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and motivate others; prior people management experience is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, equipment, material interactions, and laboratory test methods.
• Experience leading technically complex packaging projects, managing multiple priorities, and applying Design of Experiments and statistical analysis.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%.

Culture & Benefits

• Cross-functional, collaborative, and results-oriented working environment.
• Healthcare coverage for employees and eligible dependents, including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision plans.
• Paid time off, company holidays, leave of absence programs, and flexible work arrangements.
• 401(k), life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment coverage, and disability benefits.
• Training, learning opportunities, employee assistance, wellbeing, and family support programs.