What are the responsibilities and job description for the Packaging Process & Commercialization Consultant (Contract/Temporary) position at Woodland Foods?
Title: Packaging Process & Commercialization Consultant (Contract / Temporary) Engagement Type: Contract or Temporary Assignment
Location: Waukegan, IL (On-site as needed)
Duration: Estimated 6–9 months (project-based; subject to completion of defined deliverables)
Reports to: Director, R&D
ENGAGEMENT PURPOSE
This engagement is established to support a defined set of packaging commercialization and process initiatives across current product pipeline projects. The consultant/temporary employee will provide technical expertise to translate packaging concepts into scalable solutions and support successful execution of specific commercialization efforts.
This role is project-based and time-limited, with responsibilities tied to defined deliverables. There is no ongoing ownership of packaging systems or long-term operational responsibilities beyond the duration of the engagement.
PROJECT SCOPE & DELIVERABLES
The consultant will support the following key project activities:
All work is limited to defined projects and deliverables within the engagement period.
QUALIFICATIONS
WORKING MODEL
ENGAGEMENT TERMS
This document outlines the scope of a project-based engagement and does not imply ongoing employment or permanent role responsibilities.
Location: Waukegan, IL (On-site as needed)
Duration: Estimated 6–9 months (project-based; subject to completion of defined deliverables)
Reports to: Director, R&D
This engagement is established to support a defined set of packaging commercialization and process initiatives across current product pipeline projects. The consultant/temporary employee will provide technical expertise to translate packaging concepts into scalable solutions and support successful execution of specific commercialization efforts.
This role is project-based and time-limited, with responsibilities tied to defined deliverables. There is no ongoing ownership of packaging systems or long-term operational responsibilities beyond the duration of the engagement.
The consultant will support the following key project activities:
- Lead packaging-related activities for identified commercialization projects, including material selection, specification development, and process validation
- Develop and document packaging Bills of Materials (BOMs) and specifications for assigned projects
- Plan and execute packaging trials (pilot and production) for designated product launches
- Support first production runs to ensure successful transition of projects to internal operations teams
- Identify and recommend process improvements and cost efficiencies within the scope of assigned projects
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders (R&D, Operations, Quality, Procurement) to align on project execution
- Provide technical input on supplier selection and material sourcing for project needs
- Ensure packaging solutions meet applicable regulatory, safety, and quality standards
- Completed packaging specifications and BOMs for assigned projects
- Documented trial results and validation reports
- Successful execution of first production runs
- Transition documentation for handoff to internal teams
- Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Food Science, or related field
- 5 years of experience in packaging development and commercialization within consumer goods or food manufacturing
- Experience supporting scale-up from R&D through production
- Strong understanding of packaging materials, equipment, and testing methods
- Experience working in manufacturing, pilot plant, and/or R&D environments
- Familiarity with industry standards (ASTM, ISTA) preferred
- Familiarity with TOPS software (documenting pallet patterns)
- Works independently to deliver defined project outcomes
- Collaborates with internal stakeholders for project execution and alignment
- On-site presence as required for trials, plant support, and key project milestones
- Engagement is for a fixed duration tied to project completion (estimated 6–9 months)
- Scope may be adjusted based on business needs and project pipeline
- No expectation of ongoing or permanent employment beyond the project term