Packaging Manager

Job title: Packaging Manager

Location: Glendale Heights IL *must be based in IL within a 1-2 hr drive to/from Glendale Heights*
Reports to: VP of Development

Job type: Full-time

Overview:

NSI is a growing leader in the organic and sustainable food industry specializing in sourcing developing and supplying high-quality food products for private-label retailers. NSI is looking for a hands-on commercially minded Packaging Manager to own and elevate our packaging function from development through commercialization and ongoing supply. The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial highly organized comfortable working with both products and data and driven to make an immediate impact.

Mission:

The Packaging Manager will become NSIs internal packaging expert partnering closely with Product Development Quality Procurement Operations suppliers and co-packers to develop packaging solutions that are high-quality cost-effective sustainable manufacturable and delivered quickly.

Key responsibilities:

Packaging Design:

• Own the end-to-end packaging development process from concept and specifications through samples testing trials and commercialization.
• Develop and maintain packaging specifications approved samples testing requirements and packaging documentation.
• Support packaging development primarily across flexible packaging (60%) corrugate/boxes (30%) and rigid packaging (10%).
• Evaluate packaging materials structures barriers dimensions and performance requirements to ensure products are protected and suitable for production.
• Work closely with co-packers and manufacturing partners to ensure packaging is compatible with VFFS HFFS filling sealing cartoning and other equipment.
• Lead packaging supplier relationships including sourcing pricing terms performance and backup supplier development.
• Proactively identify and resolve packaging issues before they impact product launches customers or supply.

Pricing strategy and execution:

• Lead supplier negotiations and identify cost-reduction opportunities through specification optimization standardization volume consolidation alternative materials and sourcing strategies.
• Identify and execute packaging cost savings with an initial target of approximately $500K based on current volumes.
• Manage packaging data quotes projections cost analyses specifications and supplier information with a high level of accuracy and organization.

Regulatory sustainability and reporting:

• Partner with Operations Procurement and Quality to ensure packaging meets applicable regulatory and sustainability requirements including EPR e-Halo PFAS recyclability and circularity considerations.
• Identify and validate more sustainable packaging solutions while balancing product protection quality manufacturability cost and regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate will have:

• 5 years of experience in packaging development packaging management or a related role within the food or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
• Strong knowledge of flexible film packaging particularly stand-up pouches and related structures.
• Working knowledge of corrugated packaging including generic and printed boxes.
• Comfortable working with Excel projections cost analysis and packaging data.
• Commercially comfortable with the ability to negotiate and influence suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Hands-on and comfortable working directly with packaging samples mock-ups and products.
• Highly driven results-oriented and motivated to make an impact.
• Able to work frequently on-site in the Chicago area and in the office.

Work environment:

• Illinois-based remote role. Candidates must reside in Illinois and be able to work remotely (local office available as an option).
• Travel is required to visit NSIs office visit co-packing/co-manufacturing partners and for other business needs.

NSI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.

Please direct all recruiting and candidate inquiries to

Contacting other team members or departments will result in your message not being reviewed.

Required Experience:

Manager