Job Information
Whole Foods Market Principal Packaging Engineering Program Manager in Austin, Texas
Job DescriptionThis role involves standing up and leading the integration of the Packaging Engineering Program into our Exclusive Brands (EB)/Private Label ecosystem. The individual will identify business opportunities within the EB portfolio, implement packaging solutions, and collaborate cross-functionally with Whole Foods Market (WFM) and Supplier Partners to drive results. With a strong understanding of Amazon (AMZ) and WFM sustainability initiatives, they will work to achieve Packaging Sustainability SMART goals. Over time, the role will involve building and leading a team of Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Packaging Engineers, The ideal candidate will be recognized as Subject Matter Expert (SME) in packaging engineering and sustainability. The person will serve as a trusted advisor, aligning packaging engineering efforts with broader business and sustainability goals, collaborating closely with key teams, including Packaging Sourcing Center of Excellence, our EB Cross Functional Project Teams, and our Sustainability Team.
This role is based in Austin, TX, with an expectation of being in the Store Support office five days a week.
Responsibilities:
Build , integrate and manage the Exclusive Brands Packaging Engineering Program
Drive engagement and collaboration of EB Packaging Engineering Program with internal stakeholders, most notably our EB Cross Functional Project Team Members, Packaging Sourcing Team, Culinary Team, Indirect Procurement Team, and WFM and AMZ Sustainability Team s
Lead the development and implementation of processes, procedures, and programs for Packaging Engineering
Serve as the SME for Packaging Engineering to our EB Product Development Team
W ork collaboratively to build processes and procedures to implement Packaging Development mechanisms into the EB Product Development processes inclusive of all Food, Beverage, and Non-Food Categories
Work with AMZ and WFM BUs to outline, communicate and execute practical and impactful packaging testing programs for EB Products
Collaborating with AMZ and WFM BUs on identifying and actioning on Packaging Sustainability Goals through 2040
Manage 3rd party collection and validation of Packaging Specifications and drive integration with internal systems
Serve as a trusted advisor in the space of packaging design, engineering, stability and compatibility with a full stakeholder group across the Exclusive Brands and WFM community
Stand up the Packaging Value Engineering program by Identify ing opportunities for enhancements, improvements and renovations in customer experience and packaging performance in EB product portfolio, work cross functionally with stakeholders to achieve implementation and track outcomes
Ideate, collaborate and troubleshoot with our EB Supplier Partners to ensure EB Product Packaging is designed and sourced for an optimal consumer experience
Stand up and implement robust processes to identify opportunities for packaging cost optimization, yielding consistent YoY savings to the business
Collaborate cross functionally with our Legal, Regulatory and Compliance teams to ensure understanding and facilitate implementation of any incoming packaging materials regulations that will impact the EB Product portfolio
Required Communication /Presentation /Professional Skills:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills required
Experience in Amazon Document writing a plus
Strong project management, program management, organizational, and analytical skills required .
Excellent team facilitation and presentation skills required .
Ability to present at executive level, and to internal stakeholders to articulate strategies and performance metrics.
Ability to translate complex topics into plain language
Ability to thoughtfully navigate change and ambiguity
Ability to proactively drive projects and initiatives forward and inspire others to do so.
Requirements:
BA/BS degree in Packaging Engineering, Food Science, or Related Field, advanced degree a plus
6-8 years of relevant CPG industry experience , preferably in Packaging Engineering or Procurement , Product Development/Manufacturing, Product Quality, or Product Safety and Testing
2-4 years of direct leadership experience , managing a team of direct reports
Proven track record of success in understanding business objectives , and driving reportable results through strategic initiatives aligned with business needs
Subject matter expertise in consumer goods packaging , product development, scale up and manufacturing
Customer-obsessed, passion for creativity, innovation and invention in creating an optimal consumer experience via product packaging
Passion for Sustainability, Nurturing our People and Our Planet , and Driving Profits and Prosperity
Ability to work well in a high-pace dynamic environment, handle multiple projects simultaneously, and ensure task completion and deadlines are met as required .
Proficient with Microsoft Office applications: Excel, Word, PowerPoint , Outlook and Teams
Experience in Oracle-based PLM systems a plus
At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.
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