Packaging Specialist - Longueuil

About Us:

Welcome to Lactalis Canada! We’re proud to be Canada’s #1 branded dairy company and to be consistently recognized as one of the country’s top employers by Forbes. Our purpose is to enrich and nurture the lives of Canadians by offering the best of dairy from Canada’s favourite dairy brands like Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Balderson, Astro and Lactantia. In fact, our products can be found in over 90% of Canadian refrigerators in any given time. As part of Lactalis Group, the world’s leading dairy company, we remain focused on innovation and quality and are seeking like-minded individuals to join us as we continue our growth journey.

Job Purpose

The Packaging Specialist provides technical expertise, leadership, and first-line oversight for packaging projects. The incumbent is responsible for managing packaging-related projects, including packaging development, while supporting innovation initiatives, cost optimization efforts, and technical packaging manufacturing requirements. This role provides guidance and expertise to ensure the successful development and implementation of packaging projects in support of the organization’s objectives.

Responsibility

• Lead the technical development and execution of packaging initiatives by designing and conducting packaging qualification and validation trials for all new products in support of innovation and new product development initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing teams to understand and resolve packaging material or equipment performance issues. Provide recommendations and guidance to Manufacturing personnel to ensure successful project execution and deliverables.
• Consult with and provide packaging support to Engineering on major capital projects by communicating packaging requirements, coordinating all necessary trials, and finalizing packaging specifications.
• Support Procurement initiatives, including coordinating and documenting plant trials and leading the approval process for alternative packaging materials.
• Identify and evaluate packaging cost-reduction opportunities for both existing and new packaging formats, implementing appropriate solutions to support corporate cost-saving objectives.
• Manage the development and maintenance of packaging specification databases, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with company standards.
• Manage and support GS1 and other initiatives related to the development and maintenance of barcode technologies.
• Partner with Corporate Quality Assurance by conducting packaging supplier audits and participating in incoming material quality assessments, as required, to ensure compliance with company standards.
• Research emerging packaging technologies and introduce innovative packaging concepts to support strategic growth opportunities.
• Explore and develop sustainable packaging technologies and generate innovative ideas to support the implementation of environmentally responsible packaging solutions.
• Participate in supplier performance reporting, certification programs, and cross-functional continuous improvement teams to meet both internal and external customer compliance requirements.
• Provide coaching and supervision to Packaging Technicians and interns, including participation in recruitment activities, onboarding, training, and performance support.
• Travel to various Lactalis sites across Canada and the United States as required (up to 75% travel). Overnight stays will frequently be required depending on the supported manufacturing locations.

Qualifications

• Postsecondary diploma or degree in Packaging, Packaging Technology, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience in a technical packaging role.
• Minimum of eight (8) to ten (10) years of experience in the packaging industry.
• Demonstrated experience designing and leading trials to validate packaging performance and identify root causes.
• Experience using industry-standard testing methods for packaging materials.
• Strong understanding of statistics, specifications, laboratory data, and test results.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to recommend and validate corrective actions.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and HACCP principles, preferably within a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize workload and operate effectively in a results-oriented team environment.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Bilingualism in English and French.

What Lactalis will offer:

• Social advantages

• Food donation

• Free drinks (coffee, tea,etc.)

• Years of Service Recognition Program

• Social club, activities during the year

Our ESG commitment:

Our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) roadmap drives our sustainability mission. We aim to positively impact communities and the planet by enabling stakeholders including our people, consumers, customers, suppliers, dairy farmers, government, and industry partners to have a positive impact on the wellbeing of our communities and the planet through all that we do.

At Lactalis Canada, we value our employees as catalysts for positive change. Together, we will create a sustainable future, promote belonging, and make a lasting impact on the world.

Our commitment to DEI:

Fuel Our Culture with Your Uniqueness! Lactalis thrives on the value each person brings. We're dedicated to amplifying diverse voices, inviting personal and professional growth, and embracing everyone's true selves. We're committed to crafting an environment that genuinely welcomes all, reflecting the richness of our people and communities.

Our promise extends to accessible processes and spaces. If you require accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent), please inform our Talent Acquisition team – confidentiality will be maintained.

Le bilinguisme est requis puisque le poste exige des communications fréquentes avec nos partenaires, nos usines et notre siège social qui se situent hors Québec.

Bilingualism is required as the position involves frequent communications with our partners, our factories, and our headquarters located outside Quebec.

Note: Lactalis Canada does not conduct credit or background checks through LinkedIn. If required, we'll contact you after signing a Job Offer.