Packaging Specialist

Job Title: Packaging Director

Location: Dreamline/Warminster, PA

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Packing Specialist to oversee and manage all aspects of packaging operations within the company. This role combines strategic planning, leadership, and a deep understanding of packaging design, testing, and optimization. The ideal candidate will have expertise in packaging engineering, ISTA 6 (International Safe Transit Association) packaging standards, and a proven ability to lead teams, manage projects, and drive continuous improvements. The role also involves 50% travel other plants/locations to collaborate with various teams, conduct site visits, and evaluate packaging performance in real-world conditions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Management: Lead and develop a team of packaging professionals, including private label associates and brand designers. Provide direction, mentorship, and support to drive team success and performance.
• ISTA 6 Compliance: Lead packaging testing and design in accordance with ISTA 6 protocols (including ISTA 6-Amazon, ISTA 6-IF, etc.), ensuring products meet or exceed transit safety and performance standards.
• Packaging Design & Development: Design, develop, select appropriate packaging materials to ensure product integrity, and optimize packaging solutions that meet both functional and protective requirements while minimizing material usage and costs. Collaborate with product managers to define project specifications for product, packaging, and label design.
• Project Coordination: Work closely with internal teams—such as product development, logistics, and quality assurance—to ensure packaging designs align with product specifications, shipping requirements, and customer needs.
• Vendor Management: Establish and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international vendors to ensure timely procurement of packaging materials and the effective execution of packaging projects.
• Analytics-Driven Optimization: Utilize data analytics to assess packaging design effectiveness. Analyze packaging testing data, including vibration, compression, and drop test results, to drive improvements and cost reduction.
• Testing and Validation: Conduct rigorous testing of packaging solutions, utilizing ISTA 6 test procedures, to simulate real-world conditions and ensure product integrity during transportation. Analyze test results and identify trends to enhance packaging performance.
• Quality Control: Implement and oversee quality control procedures to ensure all packaging meets company standards, ISTA certification, and regulatory requirements. Perform periodic AQL level inspections on incoming products to ensure specifications are met.
• Inventory Management: Manage the inventory of packaging materials and ensure optimal stock levels to support production needs without overstocking.
• Cost Management: Monitor and control packaging costs to ensure adherence to budget constraints and maximize cost-efficiency.
• Innovation: Stay updated with the latest packaging technologies, trends, and sustainable practices to continuously improve packaging processes, materials, and sustainability initiatives.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Incorporate sustainable packaging practices, explore eco-friendly materials, and analyze the environmental impact of packaging options to align with corporate sustainability goals.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement process improvements to enhance packaging designs and testing methods. Use analytics to track improvements and measure success.
• Documentation & Reporting: Develop and maintain technical specifications, standards, and other necessary documentation for packaging components and processes. Prepare detailed reports on packaging tests, including compliance documentation, analysis of data, and recommendations for improvements. Develop and maintain packaging guidelines, standards, and best practices.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years in packaging management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role. Proven experience in ISTA 6 packaging standards, packaging design, and optimization.
• Skills: Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills. Proficiency in packaging software and tools. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Attributes: Detail-oriented, innovative, and capable of working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Travel: Ability to travel at least 50% of the time to different plants and locations for on-site evaluations and collaboration.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and performance bonuses
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Professional development opportunities

This position offers a dynamic opportunity to lead packaging innovations and contribute to the company’s success by ensuring packaging efficiency, safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

Job Type: Full-time