Packaging Scientist

Quality. Responsibility. Mutuality. Efficiency. Freedom. Unusual values for a $5 billion company? Not at Masterfoods USA! The Five Principles of Mars have inspired us for over 90 years. More than a statement of values, they are the explanation for our success and the formula for our future.

Masterfoods USA creates the foods you love, like M&M's?, SNICKERS?, DOVE? and UNCLE BEN'S? . . . and the foods your pets love, too, like PEDIGREE?, CESAR?, WHISKAS? and SHEBA?.

We stand apart because we are a global leader in the food, snack and petcare industries and one of the most successful family-owned businesses in the world. Currently, we are looking for qualified, diverse individuals to apply for the following position:




This position is responsible for executing packaging projects for the Food business unit focused on future and existing product formats across all products. The role involves performing packaging assignments as part of a work team involved in the planning, organizing, and developing new technology, innovation and cost savings as it relates to the Food business unit. Significant collaboration is expected with all scientists and engineers in the Product and Process Development areas, Pilot Plant management, Quality Services and Engineering.

 

Key Responsibilities:Drive new package designs in support of product initiatives, packaging design and performance enhancements, and promotional activities. Develop detailed packaging specifications to insure quality materials and best value for money on all packaging components used at our facilities, co-packers and co-manufacturers Work in partnership with purchasing and production departments to determine costs and feasibility of producing proposed packaging. Initiate and coordinate packaging line trials at appropriate Manufacturing/Co-Manufacturing/Co-Packing facilities to ensure performance validation packaging structure and/or packaging design. Run material/package tests in the packaging lab to evaluate materials and design for compliance to product needs. Continuously evaluate new packaging materials and packaging systems for application to company products both current and future, and make recommendations to the business for appropriate changes. Ensure the package is ‘fit for purpose’: meets cost targets, is sensitive to environmental needs, processes through the factory, protects the product through the entire distribution channel, and provides functionality to the retail customer and consumer. Provide ongoing technical support for the Plants, Co-Packers and Co-Manufacturers relative to quality control testing and manufacturing problems. Direct activities of packaging vendors to ensure proper execution of activities Maintains ongoing communication with global Mars counterparts to ensure sharing of best practices and coordination of key activities. Generates relevant Intellectual Property (patents) to provide competitive insulation on key packaging initiatives. Qualify and recommend new suppliers in support of cost savings and technology capability efforts. Analyzes engineering drawings and specifications of product to determine physical characteristics of item, special handling and safety requirements, and type of materials required for container. Partner with purchasing and production departments to determine costs and feasibility of producing proposed packaging. Develop or direct development of sketches, specifications, samples, and written analyses of proposed packaging in order to present design for approval.



Key Skills Required:Knowledge of packaging materials, packaging equipment, packaging systems, and distributions systems of truck, rail and warehousing. Understanding of Supply, Marketing, Commercial, Sales, Customer and Consumer requirements. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Strong communication skills with ability to communicate with all areas of the business, as well as externally with Vendors, Consultants, Universities, etc. Ability to use Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, database management software, Lotus Notes and packaging design software such as TOPS and/or CAPE and AutoCAD design software.

Understanding of ASTM and TAPPI test procedures that apply to food packaging



Proven project planning and management skills. Demonstrated abilities to be creative and innovative. Creative, value-added thinking, scenario thinking

 

 

Minimum Qualifications:


College internship in related field and/or 1 year of related work experience.

The knowledge, skills, and abilities typically acquired through the completion of a bachelor's degree program in a related field, or equivalent work experience.
Ability to travel 15% of the time

Successful completion of a drug and background screen


 

Preferred Qualifications:
2+ years of experience with a CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) company in a packaging development role.
BS in Packaging and/or Engineering/Science related degree
Experience leading plant trials


 

 

As a privately-held, family-owned company, Masterfoods USA offers benefits which reflect our commitment to attracting and retaining great people. This includes excellent pay, competitive health and dental care coverage which begins on your first day of work, one of the most generous retirement and savings plans in the nation, a very competitive vacation plan and unrivaled career advancement opportunities, to name just a few of our unique and generous benefits.

 

If you're looking for a place where you can take ownership for your work, where the pace is fast, the environment is built around the importance of open communication, and where employees are called "associates" and treated as such, then we want to hear from you. 

We value a diverse work environment and encourage qualified individuals to apply, regardless of race, religion, disability, national origin, veteran status, gender and age. Masterfoods USA is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

Visit  www.mars.com  to learn more about our company and for information about all of our current openings. Please, no agencies.