Senior Packaging Scientist

Smucker Foods of Canada Corp. is a subsidiary of The J.M. Smucker Co. For more than 125 years, The J.M. Smucker Co. has been trusted to deliver quality food consumers trust for themselves and their families. Guided by a vision to engage, delight, and inspire consumers by building brands they love and leading in growing categories, Smucker has grown to be a well-respected North American marketer and manufacturer with a balanced portfolio of leading and emerging, on-trend brands. This includes offering beloved brands such as Jif®, Folgers® and Milk-Bone® as well as leading brands exclusive to Canada including Robin Hood®, Five Roses®, and Carnation®. ​

At Smucker, we provide a nurturing, collaborative and inclusive environment giving each employee the opportunity to contribute and thrive in their own unique way. We want you to become part of the Smucker Family; to become part of our journey of growth and thriving together. Join Smucker and experience a place where everyone can be their whole self, is respected, included and treated equitably, has a voice and can make an impact.​

Title

Senior Packaging Scientist

Location

Markham, Ontario - Hybrid (minimum 40% in office)

Reports To

Senior Manager, Research and Development

Position Summary:

The Senior Packaging Scientist leads the development, evaluation and deployment of new packaging initiatives and processes to support business objectives, including packaging innovation, marketing display units, sustainability initiatives, and cost-saving opportunities. Recognized as a thought leader in packaging and packaging materials, this individual works within a cross-functional team and frequently collaborates with R&D and Marketing.

Essential Job Functions Summary:

• Leads the design, development, and optimization of primary and secondary packaging to ensure quality, performance, and cost-effectiveness objectives are met.
• Designs new in-store displays, including floorstands and DRPs, balancing business needs and cost considerations.

• Develops packaging assembly instructions for in-store displays.

• Validates new packaging materials and designs by evaluating packaging performance through plant trials.

• Develops prototypes, evaluate packaging materials, and write packaging and material portion of new or revised product specifications. 

• Supports marketing initiatives such as product launches, new packaging, new design, special promotions and activities.

• Develops detailed technical plans including resource requirements, timelines, and risk assessments.

• Actively participates in packaging vendor selection, negotiation, and relationship management. 

• Leads increasingly complex projects from conceptualization through commercialization.

• Supports procurement and operations in strategic sourcing, supplier qualification, packaging operation improvement, cost savings ideas, and trouble shooting packaging-related issues.
• Identifies and executes cost savings and quality improvement opportunities.
• Provides technical guidance on packaging equipment capabilities and participates in equipment selection and evaluation.
• Employs effective interpersonal, time and resource management skills to complete projects assignments. Leads multiple projects simultaneously.
• Champions new ideas and apply innovative approaches to resolve packaging challenges and stay current with applicable new technologies.

• Builds and leverages strong internal and external networks to gain insight, influence and information related to packaging and sustainable initiatives.

• Serves as technical resource and sounding board for Operations, Engineering, Quality, Marketing and Sales.

• Advances sustainability initiatives by promoting the use of sustainable packaging materials and supports reporting packaging-material usage to government agencies and other institutions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree in Science or Engineering, with 5+ years working experience. Must have solid understanding of packaging materials and processes as it relates to food products.
• Minimum 3 – 5 years experience in consumer / foodservice packaging. Experience in factory operations is an asset.

Experience/Knowledge/Skills:

• Experience developing packaging components from concept through scale-up and commercialization.

• Strong technical judgment and creative problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound technical decisions and provide guidance on technical issues.

• Experience working in manufacturing and warehousing environments.
• Ability to identify opportunities for improvement and effectively lead and support change.
• Ability to work effectively in ambiguous situations and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, balance competing priorities, and deliver against project timelines.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to collaborate effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to travel within North America and work occasional off-shifts, based on project needs (approximately 10%).
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle for occasional travel to the Brampton warehouse and R&D facility (approximately 10%, project-based).

Salary Range:

$87,700 - $124,700 annually

The above reflects the target compensation range for the position at the time of posting. Compensation will be determined based on numerous factors including, but not limited to, skills, work experience, and internal equity considerations.

Additional Information:

• This job posting is for an existing vacancy within the organization
• Smucker Foods of Canada Corp. does not utilize any artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities in any phase of the recruitment process.

We are looking for varied perspectives which include diverse experiences that can add value to our team. We encourage you to apply even if you are unsure whether your experience matches every requirement above.

The Right Place for You 

We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs. 

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