Advanced Packaging & Prototyping Director

SUMMARY

The Advanced Prototyping & Packaging Director leads the strategy, development, and execution of innovative packaging and prototyping solutions to support the company’s growth objectives. This role partners closely with Engineering, Operations, Finance, Quality, and Product Development to commercialize new concepts, optimize packaging performance, drive productivity improvements, innovate on new platforms, and ensure that all solutions meet cheese manufacturing requirements. The ideal candidate has 5–10 years of experience leading high-performing technical teams in food production, strong packaging and prototyping expertise, hands-on experience supporting pilot and plant trials, and a demonstrated ability to bring new ideas from concept through commercialization.

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

Leadership & Team Development

• Leads, mentors, and develops a multidisciplinary team responsible for packaging innovation and prototyping.
• Builds team capability in experimental design, packaging engineering, material science, and prototyping methods.
• Fosters a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Prototyping & Innovation

• Leads creation of new packaging platforms and prototype product forms.
• Collaborates with R&D, Technical Applications Group (TAG), and Operations to translate concepts into scalable manufacturing processes.
• Guides material selection, package form development, shelf-life assessments, and trial execution.

Packaging Development & Commercialization

• Oversees packaging development including material evaluation, structural design, and packaging specifications.
• Partners with Engineering and Operations to run pilot and full-scale trials.
• Supports productivity initiatives by identifying and implementing cost-saving packaging improvements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Works closely with Operations, Engineering, Finance, Procurement, Quality, and R&D teams.
• Communicates technical progress, risks, and recommendations to key stakeholders.
• Ensures alignment with broader R&D organizational structure and innovation goals.

Compliance, Quality & Safety

• Ensures all packaging and prototyping activities meet food safety and quality standards.
• Maintains documentation including specifications, reports, drawings, and commercialization documents.
• Supports audits, corrective actions, and root cause investigations.

Project & Portfolio Management

• Leads and prioritizes multiple packaging and prototyping projects.
• Provides financial justification and oversees budgets for prototyping activities.
• Supports innovation pipelines, business cases, and long-range planning processes.

 DIRECT REPORTS

Leads a multi‑disciplinary team of technical professionals within R&D, including direct oversight of packaging, product development, and innovation staff.

 QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Food Science, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 5–10 years of experience in packaging development, prototyping, or technical leadership in food manufacturing required.
• Experience conducting pilot and plant trials and commercializing new solutions required.
• Expertise in packaging materials, equipment compatibility, and performance testing required.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Alignment with Company Values: Demonstrates behaviors and values that reflect the company’s culture. Sartori’s core values are family, commitment, authenticity, ingenuity, integrity, and humility
• Communication & Influence: Strong communication and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Project and portfolio management: Ability to prioritize multiple initiatives.
• Analytical: Statistical experiment design, data analysis, and coaching others on data collection.
• Organizational and Time Management Skills - Ability to manage and navigate priorities while meeting deadlines, anticipating needs, and proactively resolving issues
• Coaching – Exceptional leadership and people management skills.
• Resilience – remains composed and effective under pressure, maintaining focus and productivity in evolving environments; recovers quickly from setbacks and persists in the face of challenges.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

WORK LOCATION

This is an onsite position located at our Joe’s Lab facility in Plymouth, WI.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Occasional travel may be required to meet the needs of the business (estimated 10%). A valid driver’s license is required.

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

WORK SETTING / ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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