Packaging Development Manager R&D

This is a Hybrid position, with three days in the office and two days remote

Primo Brands is a leading branded beverage company in North America with a focus on healthy hydration. We are proud to offer an extensive and iconic portfolio of highly recognizable, sustainably sourced, and conveniently packaged branded beverages distributed across more than 150,000 retail outlets.

We are currently seeking a talented Manager, Packaging Development to join the Primo Brands R&D organization based in Stamford, CT. This key role will lead Packaging Design and Development from conception through commercialization responsible to deliver on Innovation, Renovation and Cost Savings initiatives across the Primo Brands portfolio. This lead role reports to the Head of R&D and has one direct report.

Key responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:
???Lead Packaging R&D function in driving profitable growth through development and implementation of innovative and competitive packaging designs consistent with business strategic plans (PET, HDPE, PE, GLASS, Bottle Design & Closure, Preforms)
???Champion packaging technology discovery and development activities ahead of commercialization projects based on strategic I&R pipeline insights and knowledge on leading beverage category market trends.
???Represent R&D Packaging organization as subject matter expert and workstream lead for development and deployment of primary, secondary and tertiary packaging (Innovation, renovation, SC optimization and savings.
???Benchmark, synthesize, and communicate external and internal trends and insights and identify opportunities for collaboration and leadership
???Manage complex business relationships with Suppliers, technology partner companies, contract developers and manufacturers, consultants, vendors, cross-functional departments, and outside experts in support of achieving consumer needs and effective project execution
???Work with marketing and sales and the cross-functional project team to ensure packaging is fit for purpose to meet the packaging specifications and delivered on time, in full
???Conduct lab/pilot/scale-up tests as well as Plant Trials / Industrial Qualifications tests
???Support both internal factories and external co-manufacturers through end-to-end project execution.
???Identify and implement cost saving initiatives related to packaging materials and design
???Develop people and packaging strategy for the business
???Leverage Suppliers to optimize packaging design and process, exploring novel technologies to launch first to market technology/innovative concepts to the market.
???Track progress and report against packaging goals and targets to Head of R&D.

Key qualifications for this position include, but are not limited to:
???15+ years of R&D Packaging Development Experience
???Bachelor's Degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar
???Strong understanding/hands on experience of packaging materials (Flexibles + Rigid Plastics), design principles, raw materials, life cycle analysis and manufacturing processes
???Experience in and understanding of Mold qualifications (HDPE, PET, PE) from design through production.
???Familiarity with packaging regulations, standards, H2R, APR, and certifications, such as FSC, PEFC, BPI and ASTM
???Versed in relevant packaging software (e.g. CAPE/TOPS, artios/autoCAD, SAP, Minitab, MS Office)
???Ability to think strategically and execute methodically - Growth Mindset
???Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with ability to effectively interface at all levels, with strong ability to influence with integrity, especially across functions.
???Communicates in a timely, concise, and effective manner, both written and verbally
???Solid working relationship with key stakeholders in Product Management, Quality & Regulatory, R&D, Packaging Engineering, Supply Chain, and Finance.
???Flexibility to travel, approximately 25%
???Minimum 3 days/week in office

Primo Brands' established portfolio includes billion-dollar brands Poland Spring and Pure Life , premium brands like Saratoga and Mountain Valley , regional leaders such as Arrowhead , Deer Park , Ice Mountain Ozarka , and Zephyrhills , purified brands, Primo Water and Sparkletts , and flavored and enhanced brands like Splash and AC+ION . Our extensive direct-to-consumer offerings and industry-leading line-up of innovative water dispensers create consumer connectivity through recurring water purchases across Water Direct, Water Exchange, and Water Refill. At Primo Brands, our more than 11,000 associates are at the heart of what we do and deliver on our mission to provide healthy hydration to consumers wherever, however and whenever they want it. We believe in fostering a respectful culture, which values our associates who are deeply invested in quality hydration, our communities, and the sustainability of our packaging and water sources for generations to come.

Primo Brands is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please contact us at