Packaging Development Engineer

Job description

The ASR Group® family of companies make up the world’s largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar. The companies produce a full line of grocery, industrial, foodservice and specialty sweetener products. Across North America, ASR Group® companies operate five sugar refineries, located in California, Maryland, Louisiana, Canada and Mexico. In Europe, ASR Group® companies operate sugar refineries in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and, with a joint venture partner, Italy. The companies also farm sugarcane and own sugar mills in Mexico and Belize. The ASR Group® portfolio includes the leading brands Domino®, C&H®, Florida Crystals®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle's®, Sidul® and Whitworths®. ASR Group® companies also produce and market Tellus®, a single-use, compostable tableware and foodservice product made from plant fibers, including sugarcane. OVERVIEW Reporting to the Manager, the Packaging Development Engineer leads packaging innovation and renovation initiatives that support new product development and continuous improvement. This role partners cross-functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Procurement, and Commercial teams to deliver packaging solutions that improve performance, ensure food safety, reduce cost, and enhance customer value. This position will play a critical role in driving projects from concept through commercialization using a structured stage-gate process. ROLE DETAILS & RESPONSIBILITIES Lead multiple packaging innovation and renovation projects from concept through commercialization using stage-gate methodology Design and execute packaging qualification plans, including plant trials, to validate performance and mitigate risk Identify and implement opportunities in sustainability, cost reduction, material optimization, and process improvement Provide technical packaging expertise across Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Procurement, and Commercial teams Develop and maintain packaging specifications and master data within SAP Partner with suppliers to deliver packaging solutions aligned to quality, cost, and performance targets Drive continuous improvement by challenging existing practices and introducing innovative solutions Performs other duties as assigned EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, or related field 3–5+ years of experience in packaging development; experience in CPG or food & beverage industry preferred Strong knowledge of packaging materials (flexibles, corrugate, paperboard) and manufacturing processes/packaging equipment Experience leading projects across cross-functional teams Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis Experience with sustainability initiatives or material optimization Exposure to global supply chains or multi-site manufacturing environments Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and widely used packaging specific software (e.g., CAPE) Experience with SAP preferred ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES) Results-oriented with a strong sense of ownership Effective communicator across technical and non-technical stakeholders Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills Comfortable working in ambiguous or evolving situation LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS English is the primary language of communication SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY This role does not have direct reports but is expected to influence and provide leadership to cross-functional project teams and external partners TRAVEL Approximately 25–30% domestic or international travel based on business needs We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.