PACKAGING R&D MANAGER

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Be Part of Our Signature Mix General Description of the Role   The Packaging R&D Manager is a R&D role primarily responsible for supporting the execution of certain packaging development activities for North America & South America (focused primarily on Mexico, Brazil, Argentina) region.
This role will support regional packaging processes to ensure the delivery of high quality packaging materials, cost-efficiency and on-time execution; being also responsible to build strong relationships within the Latin America packaging development teams, operations and greater regional organization to ensure successful delivery and execution of initiatives.
This role will provide in depth technical support for innovation, continuous improvement, quality and sustainability projects.
Key Responsibilities and Activities     Leadership of innovation/renovation, continuous improvement and other packaging projects primarily in Brazil, Mexico and the larger Latin America region as needed Provide packaging technical support and leadership to the Latin America region Regular on-site technical support of bottling sites in Mexico and Brazil as needed Effectively work across internal functions and external stakeholders/vendors/partners to ensure the effective and efficient development and function of all packaging related needs Ensure the accurate translation and capturing of packaging information documented in and across the various development systems, tools and documentation sources Conduct feasibility assessments of new packages as they relate to functionality, quality, cost, timing, manufacturability and productivity – making recommendations for viable alternatives as needed Monitor current processes for quality, process and/or cost saving opportunities and improvements and develop recommendations for changes across the basic/fundamental areas of the categories Provide regular technical support to the packaging team in the region and support the continuous technical development of the Americas Packaging team Conduct development of new packages focused on renovation and innovation projects.
Responsible for the development of specific components (e.
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bottles, labels, shipcase, etc) Collaborate cross-functionally with all partner functions (e.
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brand teams, procurement, etc.) Contribute to the development of optimal technical solutions, provide technical input, draw conclusions and make recommendations regarding new packaging and packaging improvements Coordinate packaging tests to evaluate new and revised packaging materials via laboratory, supplier, plant, and shipping trials to ensure package/product performance On site packaging support during plant start-ups of new packages and packaging materials Provide necessary information for packaging material part number and BOM creation Create and update specification sheets for packaging material and finished products through internal Campari specification system, being accountable for the accuracy of the databases Work with appropriate internal stakeholders to drive continuous improvement, cost reduction actions and/or to address potential risks and resolve non-conformities when identified Trigger / coordinate the development of blueprints, models and samples by suppliers.
Ensure necessary engineering and technical approval of selected components, including material compatibility and dispensing characteristics Comply with all requirements of GMP, food safety, ISO and OHSAS for activities related to Packaging development Support package R&D activities for Latin America plants and co-packers ensuring compliance with current regulations, deadlines, budget, quality, and brand standards Audit/Review co-packers, suppliers, and in-house bottling facilities as needed Monitor and evaluate packaging materials vendor performance in Latin America region.
Drive necessary corrective actions to ensure deliverables will be met Attend packaging seminars and key packaging industry trade shows to maintain awareness of packaging trends, new systems and processes.
Key Relationships   Internal.
Product Supply Chain Plant Directors Bottling Project management R&D Quality Planning Procurement Legal Marketing   External.
Packaging suppliers/vendors Co-packers   Summary of Experience and Key Skills Required 10+ years of technical packaging material development or analysis experience, ideally in the food industry or related field.
Experience working directly with packaging machinery is a plus Outstanding technical capability with a proven track record of project management and delivery Outstanding creative problem solving and multitasking skills Good understanding of quality tools including RCCA, AQL’s, CPK analysis and SPC.
Functional knowledge of the following packaging materials.
glass bottles, labels, cartons, corks, ROPP closures, shrink capsules Strong understanding and working experience with of food packaging equipment design/function and their relationship to packaging materials & designs Ability to work under pressure, set clear priorities and meet deadlines.
Good negotiating and influencing skills with the ability to align the different interests of internal parties.
International mindset, ability to think across functional boundaries and to develop a commercial understanding of corporate and operational business issues.
Strong communication and presentation skills, both written and oral.
Must have outstanding teamwork ability Must be proficient in speaking Spanish and English with portugese being a plus Flexible to travel extensively both domestically and internationally.
Experience leading teams Experience in beverage or alcoholic beverage is a plus Functional knowledge of the following packaging materials.
glass bottles, labels, cartons, corks, ROPP closures, shrink capsules Strong understanding and working experience with of food packaging equipment design/function and their relationship to packaging materials & designs     Education / Professional Qualifications BSc/MSc University from a Packaging School/Material science or Industrial Design of consumer goods or Industrial engineering Functional knowledge of food contact materials, Regulatory, Quality and Food safety management systems.
A postgraduate packaging technology qualification can be beneficial, particularly for candidates without a directly relevant first degree.
Skills Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion.
At Campari Group we believe in building more value together, thus we see diversity in all forms as a source of enrichment.
Our employment policies and practices ensure that we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all aspects of employment without regard to any individual’s race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or characteristics or expression, political affiliation or activity, age, veteran status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Note to applicants.
Your application will be assessed based on your abilities, expertise, general knowledge and experience, not because of any confidential, proprietary or trade secret information you may possess.
You must not disclose to Campari Group any such information.
In the event that you are asked a question that cannot be answered without disclosure of any confidential, proprietary or trade secret information (including from a current or prior employer or their vendors or customers), you must decline to answer the question.
Notice to third party agencies.
Please refrain from cold-calling or emailing our executive leadership team or the HR community directly.
The Talent Acquisition department manages centralized recruiting operations globally, including the selection and management of external suppliers.
Currently, our preferred supplier list is at full capacity.
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