Packaging Development Manager- CPG

About the position  

Location:  Hackensack, NJ 2-3 days a week in office- Shuttle offered from NYC

 

Job title: Packaging Development Manager 

Function: R&D 

Reporting to: Head of Packaging & Artwork

 

 

 The context 

Within a profitable industry, Flora Food Group is focused on a long-term strategy: driving growth through innovation. With a fresh leadership team we have defined a different agenda, underpinned by bold innovation. Packaging is perceived as the key area for establishing a green global environment by changing its material, shape and usage. The ultimate result being a dramatically increased focus around all aspects of packaging, recognizing its pivotal role in the future success of Flora.

Working closely with our strong technical team of experts and manager, both regionally and globally, this role will require exceptional leadership qualities to deliver the plant cheese agenda and innovation roadmap, ensuring Flora Food Group continues to be at the forefront of packaging innovation.     

 

Role Summary 

The Packaging Manager leads the deployment of Flora Food Group’s global and regional  

packaging strategy, driving innovation, sustainability, and excellence across multiple  

markets. The role oversees major packaging development projects from concept to  

commercialization. This role will also lead and develop a regional team of  

packaging professionals. The role owns portfolio‑level packaging trade‑off decisions,  

balancing sustainability, cost, performance and regulatory risk across markets and  

categories. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Impact:

• Lead and inspire a high‑performing team of packaging developers,  

fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.  

• Drive the execution of global and regional packaging strategies, ensuring  

alignment with business growth priorities and sustainability goals and  

regulations. 

• Manage and deliver strategic packaging development and innovation  

projects across multiple markets, ensuring on‑time, in‑full execution from  

concept to commercialization. 

• Support Flora Food Group’s Sustainability agenda by developing solutions  

that reduce environmental impact and improve material efficiency. 

• Own governance and prioritization of packaging initiatives across the region,  

making final decisions on trade‑offs between cost, sustainability ambition, technical feasibility and time‑to‑market. 

• Innovation:

• Identify, evaluate, and implement new materials, technologies, and  

packaging formats that drive sustainability and performance improvements.  

• Monitor global packaging trends, regulatory changes and sustainability developments, translating these into clear strategic direction, portfolio choices and innovation priorities for the packaging function. 

• Strengthen relationships with design agencies, toolmakers, material suppliers, and technology partners to accelerate innovation. 

• Communication:

• Partner effectively with cross‑functional stakeholders, including R&D,  

Marketing, Sustainability, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Quality, ensuring seamless delivery of packaging solutions. 

• Communicate across regions to ensure consistent alignment of  

packaging strategy, priorities, and standards. 

• Influence senior stakeholders by providing clear recommendations  

balancing consumer needs, brand ambition, technical feasibility, and  

commercial impact. 

• Represent the Packaging function externally where required (e.g. key  

suppliers, industry forums, sustainability or regulatory discussions),  

acting as the senior authority for packaging strategy and standards. 

 

 

Requirements 

Experience / Competencies  

• Functional/ technical competencies: 

• 10+ years of experience in packaging R&D or packaging development  

within FMCG.  

• Expertise in sustainable packaging, materials science, structural  

packaging development, and design‑to‑delivery processes. 

• Proven ability to manage complex, cross‑regional packaging projects and  

deliver innovative, commercially viable solutions.  

• Strong understanding of consumer, brand, technical, and commercial  

drivers in packaging design 

• Behavioral/ leadership competencies: 

• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing multicultural teams across multiple geographies 

• Entrepreneurial mindset, ownership, adaptability, and a drive for results. 

• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management capabilities. 

Qualifications / Education 

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, 

Mechanical Engineering, or related field.  

• Preferred: Advanced degree in related field; training in sustainability, innovation 

management, or project leadership. 

Knowledge 

• Advanced knowledge of packaging materials, technologies, and development 

workflows. 

•  Strong expertise in sustainable packaging principles, regulatory frameworks, and  

emerging market trends.  

•  Deep understanding of FMCG manufacturing processes, supply chain constraints, and commercialization best practices.  
•  Experience leading regional development efforts and operating within a global R&D environment. 

Travel Requirements 

Approximately 20–30% travel across the region, depending on project needs, supplier collaboration, and cross‑regional team leadership requirements.