Are you a self-driven person looking to advance your career as a high-impact player on a team? If so, we have an exciting challenge for you and your future!

At HP Hood, we celebrate our differences. Our diversity of people, backgrounds, experiences, thoughts and perspectives are fostered to create an inclusive work environment. We are at our best when we respect and value each other - One Team One Company!

Our culture is built on value commitments to innovation, quality, results, integrity, community, people, and collaboration that fosters a strong employee engagement, teamwork, safety and wellness. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, wellness programs, employee discounts, 401k matches, tuition reimbursement, ongoing development, advancement opportunities and more. This position is also eligible for our bonus program.

Founded in 1846, today HP Hood is one of the largest and most trusted food and beverage manufacturers in the United States. Our portfolio of national and super-regional brands and licensed products includes Hood, Heluva Good, Lactaid, Blue Diamond Almond Breeze, Planet Oat, Hershey's Milk & Milkshakes and more.

Job Summary

Serve as subject matter exert for area of expertise/segment. Manage and execute multiple projects simultaneously, performing packaging tasks and providing guidance for team members in a category. Design and implement challenging packaging projects and resolve complex packaging issues focused on new products, value engineering, customer packaging improvement and/or continuous improvement. Ensures application of common packaging science/engineering principles and concepts to team projects and leverage relationships and collaborate with all Sr. Product R&D leaders. Coach junior members of R&D to foster professional growth and teach knowledge associated with R&D School, statistical analysis, DOE, and SPC. Deep understanding of emerging material and packaging technologies, both segment specific and industry innovation, to help create new opportunities and anticipate future consequences and trends accurately.

Core Responsibilities

• Manages several projects simultaneously, performing packaging tasks and guidance for team members in a category; ensures application of common packaging principles and concepts to their team's projects. Plans packaging strategies:
  • Generates reports and writes project proposals.
  • Presents design and research to [internal] customers.
  • Advises staff with packaging recommendations.
  • Collaborates with vendors on new technologies.
  • Oversees projects.
• Influences and collaborates cross-functionally to drive the Customer to Concept process and bring new products to market.
• Design and implement challenging packaging projects and resolve complex packaging issues focused on new products, value engineering, customer packaging improvement and/or continuous improvement
• Proactively maintain existing products through new suppliers, alternate packaging materials, and package improvement.
• Leverages relationships and collaborate with all Sr. Product R&D leaders.
• Ensures package meets production and consumer needs; measures capabilities with the plants.
• Innovate to finds solutions for his/her groups' [process/product category] individual projects
• Is responsible and accountable for assuring appropriate use of financial and human capital resources.
• Developing subject matter expert for technical complex packaging issues and new opportunities.
• Adhere to R&D Operating Principles; Commitment to Technical Expertise & Knowledge: Clear, Concise, Continuous Communication; Technical Leadership & Project Management and collaboration between R&D and its Business Partners.
• Travel required as needed for business; communicate with supervisor when not manageable.

Functional and Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Deep technical knowledge of packaging science/engineering, data analysis.
• Extensive knowledge of Hood products processes and line equipment.
• Capability and capacity to manage multiple projects with multiple cross functional partners.
• Use, share, and teach knowledge associated with R&D School, statistical analysis, DOE, and SPC.
• Author comprehensive packaging instructions/specifications.
• Effectively utilize root cause analysis tools.
• Effective collaboration within R&D and with cross functional partners.

Product & Customer Knowledge & Insight

• Comprehensive understanding of a technical segment of Hood products and the relationship with Customer and Consumer needs.
• Deeper understanding of current and new trends and technologies that may impact Hood and to help create new opportunities.

Behaviors & Attributes

• Business Acumen: Knows the competition and is aware of how strategies and tactics work in the business; can anticipate future consequences and trends accurately.
• Thought Leadership: Expresses ideas that demonstrate expertise in particular field, area, or topic; shares innovative thinking full of insight and information.
• Critical Thinking & Dealing with Ambiguity: Deals with concepts and complexity; can comfortably handles risk and uncertainty; can decide and act without having the total picture.
• Accountability & Ownership: Strong self-accountability to meet deadlines and drive results; is accountable for own work; meets timelines and expectations; works independently and is accountable to deadlines while flexible to changing business needs.
• Communication: Effectively communicates complex technical issues; tailors the message to the audience; negotiates with vendors.
• Problem-Solving Savvy: Uses rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions; can see hidden problems; looks beyond the obvious and doesn't stop at the first answers.
• Maintain behaviors of Learning & Self-Development, Teamwork & Cooperation, and Interpersonal Skills
• Embraces North Star Values; Strive for success through continuous improvement and the quality and safety of our people, products and services. This is a commitment to proudly serving Hood's customers and consumers with products that meet their needs, exceed their expectations, and bring them joy.

Qualifications & Experience

• 7+ years of food industry experience
• PhD/Masters/Bachelor of Packaging Science/Engineering degree in relevant scientific field of study
• Certifications such as 6 sigma and ELP are highly beneficial

HP Hood is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Female/Minority/Veteran/Disabled

"VERVRAA Federal Contractor

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