Senior Director, Packaging Engineering

At CJ Schwans we dont just make food we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice to families gathering around favorite meals our team members play an important role in bringing great food experiences to life. Our portfolio includes iconic brands such as Red Baron bibigo Tonys Big Daddys Freschetta Pagoda Edwards and Mrs. Smiths. Through innovation quality and consumer-focused solutions we continue to shape the future of food.

What You Will Do

As Senior Director Packaging Engineering you will lead the strategy development and technical performance of packaging materials across CJ Schwans U.S. food portfolio. Youll build and advance packaging capabilities that protect product quality support innovation improve sustainability and enhance the consumer experience while partnering across the organization to bring new ideas to market. Travel: 30%

• Develop and lead the enterprise packaging materials strategy driving innovation renovation productivity and sustainability initiatives across our portfolio.
• Lead the selection development testing and commercialization of packaging materials that ensure product quality food safety and performance throughout manufacturing distribution retail and consumer use.
• Establish packaging standards specifications testing methodologies and governance processes that deliver consistent performance across products and manufacturing sites.
• Partner with R&D Operations Procurement Quality Marketing and external suppliers to identify and implement new materials technologies and packaging solutions.
• Drive packaging optimization efforts that reduce cost and complexity while maintaining product protection operational efficiency and consumer satisfaction.
• Champion sustainability initiatives including material reduction recyclability and compliance with evolving customer and regulatory expectations.
• Build develop and inspire a high-performing team while providing strategic guidance and technical leadership across the organization.

What You Will Bring

• Bachelors degree in Packaging Science Materials Science Engineering or a related technical field; Masters degree preferred.
• 15 years of progressive experience in packaging development materials engineering or a related discipline including significant people leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success leading packaging innovation commercialization and cross-functional initiatives within the food industry.
• Experience supporting packaging performance in frozen food applications preferred including manufacturing distribution storage and consumer preparation.
• Strong technical expertise across flexible films paperboard corrugate rigid packaging trays cartons barrier materials and packaging performance testing.
• Knowledge of food-contact regulations packaging sustainability principles and material qualification processes.
• Exceptional leadership communication project management and technical problem-solving skills.

What We Offer:

The base salary range for this position is $150000 to $250000 annually with eligibility for a 35% annual incentive bonus based on organizational performance and car allowance. The range reflects factors such as experience skills education certifications and location and starting salary may fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being including comprehensive health benefits time off programs and retirement and financial offerings.

CJ Schwans and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race color religion gender age disability veteran status national origin or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application please email .