Manager, R&D – Packaging Materials Performance Specifications

Role Overview

• Own and evolve the PBS framework for packaging, including definition, structure, required content, and linkage to performance outcomes (functional, quality, shelf-life, consumer experience, manufacturing performance)
• Lead development and rollout of enterprise PBS templates and best practices , including guidance for writing measurable requirements and acceptance criteria
• Translate cross-functional requirements into PBS by partnering with Packaging R&D, Innovation, Process/Platform teams, Quality, Operations, and other stakeholders to ensure specifications are complete, testable, and fit for manufacturing
• Establish and run specification governance , including review cadence, approval workflows, escalation paths, and go/no-go readiness requirements related to specification completeness and risk
• Ensure specifications enable manufacturable solutions , aligning performance requirements with converting processes and manufacturing constraints (e.g., filling, web handling, labeling, molding, printing, closures/dispensing where applicable)
• Drive consistency and compliance by ensuring specifications reflect relevant sustainability and regulatory considerations and are maintained as requirements evolve
• Build tools and processes for specification lifecycle management , including version control, change management, and communication of updates to impacted functions and sites
• Define and align testing/validation expectations tied to PBS , including performance verification criteria and documentation needed to support proof of concept, scale-up, and handover
• Enable training and adoption by developing training materials and coaching teams on PBS thinking, writing high-quality requirements, and applying enterprise packaging standards
• Measure PBS effectiveness using quality and execution metrics (e.g., right-first-time specifications, reduction in rework, fewer late-stage changes, improved launch readiness)

Requirements

• BS/MS/PhD degree in Engineering, Materials, Chemical or Packaging Engineering preferred, or related discipline
• 6 + years of R&D packaging development , commercialization experience and project leadership experience (consumer goods, food & beverage, pharma or similar preferred)
• Strong technical knowledge of packaging materials , formats and manufacturing/converting constraints
• Demonstrated experience in building performance specifications as well as packaging development and commercialization and cross-functional project leadership
• Strong ability to translate business, technical, and consumer needs into clear, measurable performance requirements
• Proven capability with project governance, risk management, and stakeholder reporting
• Working knowledge of design of experiments and statistics and technical problem solving
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to influence across functions and levels
• Familiarity with sustainable packaging solutions and the need to align packaging work with evolving sustainability and regulatory requirements
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% of the time

Benefits

• Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare
• protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs
• Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents
• Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families
• You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors