The Opportunity:

As a key member of the Packaging Technology team, the Sr. Packaging Engineering Specialist will focus on managing various commercial development packaging projects as well as Innovation for Maple Leaf Foods. Utilizing strong leadership skills, deep expertise in packaging technology and a passion for innovative packaging, the Sr. Packaging Engineering Specialist is responsible for packaging design and development execution with a global technology advancement.

Sr. Packaging Engineering Specialist will translate consumer insights into original, creative and enticing packaging concepts that delight consumers and fulfill customer requirements. Developing and commercializing functional structural packaging with associated material specifications through to launch. Leveraging design and innovation to create novel solutions that differentiate and act as barrier to entry for competitors via intellectual property rights and providing input and advice towards business model proposals.

The capability to support cross-functional project teams in identifying and implementing innovative packaging designs and processes as well as the ability to leverage strategic partnerships to identify new spaces for exploration will be critical to success.

Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role are encouraged to apply online by January 03. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

• Develop packaging specifications for new packaging formats.
• Lead and conduct packaging integrity trials/research at plants to validate product life cycle including storage/handling/distribution for new launches.
• Support national marketing initiatives involving innovative packaging from conception to commercialization.
• Bring new ideas to Maple Leaf Foods and drive packaging innovation.
• Work on cross-functional teams in all stages of ideation, development and execution of packaging projects.
• Strong project managements skills; identify and manage risk at all levels under tight timelines.
• Provide enhanced technical expertise to new initiatives to further support our growth agenda.
• Partner and build relationships with incumbent and new packaging suppliers to create and bring new product & packaging concepts to the business.
• Support the ongoing process to reduce overall packaging and support sustainability, including the regional “Blue Box” programs.
• Responsible for proactively driving Front of Funnel innovation development efforts, creating a holistic approach to packaging design that connects to our consumer and enables competitive advantage.
• Maintain knowledge of current packaging innovation and latest technology globally.
• Manage new product/project activity by plant/brand.
• Ideation and oversight of design and development of new products through the packaging development process.
• Plan innovation projects to integrate the newest technologies in both package performance and consumer led innovation.
• Identify and demonstrate proof of principle of innovative packaging and packaging equipment.  Gather and translate insights into potential strategic packaging opportunities.
• Leverage insights to determine occasion based packaging needs and develop functional attributes enhance consumer experience.
• Leverage external network to support Open Innovation in technology scouting for novel applications and opportunities.  Identify strategic packaging technology suppliers, ensure partnerships are developed and supplier innovation activities are aligned with company innovation needs.
• Drive innovation by presenting new packaging concepts and technologies to support Marketing, Product Development and processing ideas. Partner with Marketing to deliver on Innovation & Renovation objectives.
• Develops, tests, reviews and recommends proposals for packaging/equipment designs by translating needs of business into work plans, anticipating risks and incorporating mitigation strategies, and developing succinct communications for senior leaders. 
• Work with Procurement, Brand, and Site Operations to ensure the accurate and timely development of all packaging standards, specifications and procedures.
• Ensure the accurate and timely publication, communication and retention of all documentation related to packaging specifications and procedures through our SAP Systems.
• During development with our partners and stakeholders, ensure that packaging components meet or exceed our quality and efficiency standards.
• Working with Quality troubleshoot and make sound technical recommendations for existing quality issues.
• Lead value engineering initiatives for Packaging at specific sites.
• Ensure all new suppliers meet qualification standards established by Operations.
• Work with packaging suppliers, provide technical assistance and knowledge during implementation of packaging components based on our quality and efficiency standards.
• Aid in design and development of new-to-world equipment architectures for new products using creative technical solutions for materials and novel manufacturing techniques (with Engineering team). Provide technical analyses, develop alternatives (cost estimates, feasibility, specifications and interpretation of requirements).
• Ensure all projects are completed on time and meet the intended packaging design, quality, cost, functionality, reliability and manufacturability objectives.  

What You’ll Bring:

• Degree in Engineering (Packaging or Chemical)
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in Food Packaging or any consumer goods Packaging Development Technology.
• Strong understanding of packaging components, supplier processes, manufacturing processes, and Engineering Change Order (ECO) principals.
• Able to identify and analyze problems, recommending and implementing flexible and creative solutions based on customer need.
• Strong demonstrated team leadership skills, focusing on creating and embracing change Mastery of SAP, CAPE, Microsoft office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint & MS Project), and understanding of Database concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively organize and manage multiple tasks as projects, ensuring completion to meet deadlines.
• Excellent written communications skills, with the ability to document system procedures in an understandable format.
• Robust communication and influencing skills
• Proven people and project management skills. Demonstrated leadership in establishing great functional rapport with Marketing, Product Development, Purchasing, Engineering and Manufacturing teams.
• Possess excellent technical competence in food packaging systems with comprehensive knowledge of packaging materials (primary, secondary and tertiary), high speed packaging systems, food process engineering, continuous improvement tools and best management practices in automated manufacturing environment.  
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results by working autonomously with minimal supervision.  
• Proven ability to bring new, unsolicited innovative ideas forward.
• Skillful at effectively leveraging internal and external resources to drive projects, develop sustainable packaging and ensure flawless execution for the organization.
• Proficient in SAP environment, CAPE & Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint & MS Project).
• Ability and willingness to travel 25% of the time.
• Valid driver’s license and a car available

What We Offer at Maple Leaf Foods:

• Being part of a high-performance, people-focused company that has an inspiring and unique vision to become the most sustainable protein company on earth, and a deep commitment to sustainable protein across North America.
• An inclusive company culture and a work environment that keeps our people safe, rewards excellence, and empowers everyone to learn and contribute their best.
• A hybrid work model that embraces remote work for eligible roles, helping team members achieve work-life balance—combining the best of both spending time working remotely, benefitting from focus time, and purposeful collaboration in the office setting. 
• Competitive Health and Wellness benefits that offer flexibility to meet your individual or family needs, including programs focused on improving mental health and wellbeing. These benefits start on your first day of employment.
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan with company matching that starts on your first day of employment.
• Learning and development opportunities, including workshops, ‘speaker series’ events, and resources that allow you to develop your skills and progress your career.
• Comprehensive tuition reimbursement program that supports continuous learning and development of our team members through investment in eligible degrees, diplomas, professional certification, or trades programs.
• Supporting our deep commitment to community impact, we offer up to two paid days annually to volunteer at a cause of your choice.

About Us:

We’re a carbon neutral food company on a purposeful journey to Raise the Good in Food through better nutrition, safer food and workplaces, more humane animal care, and environmental sustainability efforts that protect our planet. We care about our communities and commit to reducing food insecurity in Canada. Join us on the journey. Let’s build a better future, together.

We’re passionate about food. For more than 100 years, we’ve made delicious, healthy protein that Canadians love under iconic national and regional brands, like Maple Leaf®, Schneiders®, and Greenfield Natural Meat Co.® We’re on a journey to become the most sustainable protein company – not just in Canada – but on earth.

• We are carbon neutral.
• We are one of the only food companies in Canada to set science-based targets.

We’re a global food company with more than 13,500 team members. We operate sites in 20+ locations across Canada. We also have locations in the U.S. and Mexico, and do business in Asia.

A diverse and inclusive work environment

Championing diversity and inclusion is a critical component to advancing our collective purpose and vision and living the Maple Leaf Leadership Values. We believe in building, investing in, recognizing, and rewarding remarkable people who value an inclusive workplace, embrace all forms of diversity, and commit to including every voice in our collaborative environment. We’re so much stronger when we know we’re accepted and valued for who we are and what we each bring to the workplace.

We embrace a strong, values-based culture

Our eight Leadership Values are our north star. They guide the decisions we make for all our stakeholders: our consumers, our customers, our people, our communities, our shareholders, and the environment.

• Doing What’s Right
• Shared Value
• High Performance
• Diverse and Inclusive Teams
• Disciplined Decision Making
• Our Accountability
• Intense Curiosity
• Transparency and Humility

We thank all applicants for their interest in exploring employment opportunities with Maple Leaf Foods; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Applicants may be subject to a background check and must meet the security criteria designated for the position.

Championing diversity and inclusion is a critical component to advancing our collective purpose and vision, living the Maple Leaf Leadership Values, and delivering winning results. Accommodation is available upon request for applicants with disabilities in the recruitment and assessment process and when hired; please contact our Talent Attraction Team at accommodations@mapleleaf.com.

Disclaimer:  Please note that salaries posted on sites other than the MLF Careers Page are not a reflection of Maple Leaf Foods and are an estimated salary range provided by that particular job board.  Maple Leaf Foods offers competitive wages and an attractive total rewards package, which will be discussed during an interview with our Talent Team.

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