R & D Food Packaging Engineering Manager

When it comes to being wild, we know a thing or two. We're not afraid of trying something new or the hard work it takes to make it happen. It's in our DNA. We've turned a family recipe into a new snacking category. And the wilderness into the world's largest meat snack business, that's still proudly family owned and operated.

We're a company built by innovators, and are driven to not only satisfy your hunger, but to also feed your journey – whether that journey is on the road, on the run, at the campground, at the playground, in the office or in the moment. It’s a journey we share with you. It’s the journey forward of our people, of our communities, of our category…with a reverence for quality and an irreverence for the status quo.

 At Jack Link's Protein Snacks, we see every moment of every day as an opportunity to move forward, to forge new ground. To realize our vision of becoming the World’s #1 Protein Snack Company. We never give up. You never give up. Together, we keep going. Are you wild enough to join us?

Jack Link's Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Family-owned and operated with headquarters in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s Protein Snacks also has a large corporate hub in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company is made up of over 4,000 passionate team members, across 11 countries, who share an uncompromising commitment to delivering awesome products and feeding the journey of those who move things forward. The Jack Link’s Protein Snacks portfolio of brands includes, Jack Link’s, Lorissa’s Kitchen, BiFi, Peperami, Wild River, Golden Island and Country Fresh Meats.

The Packaging Engineer Manager will manage a team of packaging engineers responsible for the design, development, and support of package systems. This position plays a key role within a cross functional team comprised of functions such as Research & Development (R&D), Marketing, Operations, Food Safety & Regulatory.

The responsibilities of this position shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following:

• Manage department activities utilizing extensive packaging expertise and significant knowledge of other related disciplines to develop, improve and execute packaging projects.
• Provide leadership and direction to the packaging team regarding all aspects of their technical and professional development.
• Act as liaison for leaders in other key functions, represent the Packaging team as a primary contact with Marketing, R&D, Regulatory, Operations and Quality.
• Leverage comprehensive experience in packaging technology, process development and operations to develop innovative solutions and drive improvements in packaging operations for manufacturing.
• Prioritize projects and work closely with PMO team to address critical business initiatives.
• Ensure all technical documentation draft by team including package testing protocols, and validation associated with the qualification and release of package designs is compliant, accurate and appropriate.
• Provide leadership for the company’s packaging strategic plan which included strategy development, planning and execution. As part of this ensure the package engineering team has plans including key performance indicators KPI’s to monitor performance.
• Mentor and coach team to excel in packaging, project management and other key activities.
• Serve actively in the identification of suppliers, testing and approving materials.

Required Education

• BS in Packaging or related engineering field or equivalent

Required Experience

• Minimum of 5 years packaging experience and 3 years managing people
• CPG experience
• Knowledgeable in ISO, ASTM, ISTA standards related to packaging
• Film/bag design (flow-wrap and form-fill-seal) experience with packaging manufacturing companies
• Folding Carton design experience with packaging manufacturing companies
• Corrugated design experience with packaging manufacturing companies
• Exceptional project management skills
• Solid proficiency in MS Word, Excel and statistical analysis software
• Strong influencing and leadership skills, including demonstrated ability to lead, coach, engage and professionally develop team members
• Ability to lead team toward operational objectives
• Able to collaborate effectively at all levels within the organization
• Strong analytical, planning, organization and time management skills to effectively execute project plans
• Cross functional experience in Manufacturing, Supply Chain, R&D, Operations, Quality and Regulatory

Preferred Experience

• MS Packaging Engineering or related field
• Certified Packaging Professional (CPP)
• Experience with Lean Sigma, DFSS, DFM, process development and design of experiments (DOE) methodology
• Experience with automated and/or semi-automated packaging equipment and processes

JACK LINK’S CORE VALUES:

Company values: Be Real, Speed Matters, Stewardship, Relationship Driven, Self-Discipline, and Show Awesome Character.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:

Jack Link’s is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.