R&D Packaging Development Leader - Northbrook, IL

R&D Packaging Development Leader – Northbrook, IL

Hormel Foods Corporation 

 

To save time applying, Hormel Foods does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas for this position at this time.

 

ABOUT HORMEL FOODS — Inspired People. Inspired Food.™ 

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include Planters®, Skippy®, SPAM®, Hormel® Natural Choice®, Applegate®, Justin’s®, Wholly®, Hormel® Black Label®, Columbus®, Jennie-O® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America’s most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World’s Best Companies, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement — Inspired People. Inspired Food.™ — to bring some of the world’s most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com. 

 

JOB DESCRIPTION: 

This position requires in-depth knowledge to independently develop and administer practical yet functional packaging designs with the main goal of protecting the product.  The incumbent applies highly advanced trouble shooting and critical analysis of technical issues and manages all facets of packaging from material development to package implementation.  The incumbent routinely serves as a resource and consultant and assumes a leadership role in initiating, planning, managing and executing several complex projects to others within the company and its subsidiaries. Much of the research project work is delegated to staff under the supervision of the incumbent. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages, directs and leads the daily activities of Packaging Scientists and/or Technician/s.
• Manages project development; identifies, coordinates, supervises and conducts research in the area of packaging, leading to the development and implementation of new packaging systems for the company.  This involves maintaining competency in cutting edge packaging technology and advanced packaging theory, and researching the feasibility of using this technology in conjunction with our products.
• Fulfills the role as a technical expert and service/troubleshooter when more abstract packaging and/or related problems at our facilities are beyond the scope of the plant/corporate personnel.  Often coordinates and administers consultation to other personnel within and outside of the company.
• Investigates, recommends and administers packaging cost saving programs by evaluating new enhancements made to packaging materials and/or new design considerations etc., with the planned goal of minimizing costs associated with our products.
• Initiates, coordinates and administers systems to improve packaging efficiencies within the corporation.  This includes the entering and managing of all packaging specifications for our company’s products and may also include the development of software and catalog systems used to collect critical data regarding packaging materials and package attributes.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Food Technology, Food Science, or related field.
• 7+ years of packaging development experience.
• Experience leading a team of packaging scientists to direct the technical commercialization of new products. 
• Proven problem solving, decision-making, managerial, and project management skills. 
• Work cross-functionally with internal cross-functional teams and other external groups (co-packers, consultants, agencies) to facilitate project execution. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop relationships with cross functional teams.
• Exceptional multi-tasking, project management, follow-up and prioritization skills.
• Strives to improve processes.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team setting.
• Must b