Packaging Technologist

Packaging TechnologistLocation: Evanston, IL (Hybrid)Type: Contract until 2028, with intent to convert to permanentReports to: Packaging Operations & Delivery Manager (global R&D Packaging function)About the CompanyOur client is a leading global dairy co-operative with a portfolio of premium consumer dairy brands, a dairy ingredients business serving food manufacturing and foodservice customers, and production facilities and in-market teams across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Africa.Role OverviewThe Packaging Technologist joins the R&D innovation team and owns the delivery of packaging projects that support the packaging roadmap and innovation strategy, ensuring every solution meets legal, functional, customer and consumer requirements.Based in the US but part of a global function, the role runs projects hands-on, works closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders on both sides of the Atlantic, and acts as the voice of packaging technology for the business.New packaging rarely works on the first attempt, so this role suits a sharp, persistent problem solver who enjoys iterating toward the right answer. The interview process includes a case study exercise.Key ResponsibilitiesOwn packaging projects end to end: run the technical project management of assigned projects through a stage-gate development processTurn needs into specs: translate stakeholder, customer and consumer needs into quality attributes, packaging designs and technical specificationsMaintain specifications that are fit for purpose and for volume manufacturingLead design validation: create validation plans and align them with cross-functional partners and suppliers through trials and commercial launchPartner with suppliers to secure packaging performance, and prevent and resolve technical issues on existing packagingDrive continuous improvement and value engineering initiativesTrack market trends and new packaging technologies, and bring forward ideas that feed the packaging and business strategyBuild strong networks across Marketing, Procurement, Supply, Quality, Operations and third-party manufacturers in a global, matrixed organizationProvide technical expertise and data-driven support to the wider organizationQualifications & Experience5+ years of packaging development and technical project management in an FMCG or packaged consumer goods environmentProven track record introducing and validating new packaging and manufacturing processesWorking knowledge of rigid and flexible packaging (tubs, pots, fiber-based products, films) and their materials and manufacturing processesAbility to interpret and create technical drawingsExperience leading large technical programs with cross-functional teams and suppliersExperience with stage-gate product development processesAbility to use statistical data analysis tools to assess product and process performanceStrong commercial awareness, balancing technical requirements with business objectivesStrong problem-solving skills and the persistence to work through repeated iterations to a practical solutionMaturity, political savvy and influencing skills to work effectively within a global reporting structurePreferred QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Packaging Technology, Materials Science, Engineering, Product Design, Food Science or a related fieldFood industry background (pharmaceutical packaging experience also considered)3D CAD or packaging design software experienceTravelApproximately 25% travel, both locally and to Europe.