Packaging Manager, R&D

Join a dynamic team of scientists and engineers driving the next generation of innovation in the Future Coffee Systems. As an R&D Packaging Manager, you will join our dynamic Team leading packaging solutions for this incredible program. We are seeking candidates with strong background in flexible packaging, and extensive experience in material science across all packaging structures. This role requires a strategic thinker with excellent packaging technical leadership abilities and a proven track record of executing complex projects on time.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage technical projects related to flexible and fiber packaging, ensuring timely and successful completion
• Systems thinking leader with end-to-end understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and routes to market to enable intelligent design and decision making
• Develop the next generation of packaging solutions for the Future Coffee System, that is highly sustainable, improves consumer experience, and reduces cost
• Work with key packaging vendors to identify novel materials and packaging technologies that can deliver program objectives and set multi-year pipelines focusing on high barrier sustainable novel materials
• Collaborate with our Brand Teams to design consumer-centric packaging for the first and second moment of truth, while optimizing for manufacturing, distribution and cost
• Advance the business through technical excellence, ensuring all aspects meet or exceed the quality and performance requirements within defined timelines and costs
• Manage multiple and competing timelines; provide timely communication; raise issues and risks and provide creative and robust solutions
• Identify business needs and generate ideas and concepts
• Confirm material performance and work with technicians to develop lab methods and tools for qualification and validation
• Ensure the packaging program operates within budget and cost targets as defined in the business strategy

• Salary Range: $116,700-180,000
• Actual placement within the compensation range may vary depending on experience, skills, and other factors
• Benefits, subject to election and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Paid Time Off (including paid parental leave, vacation, and sick time), 401k with company match, Tuition Reimbursement, and Mileage Reimbursement
• Annual bonus based on performance and eligibility

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Material Science, Packaging, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, with 10+ years of industry experience

• In-depth understanding of material performance, lab qualification and validation
• Solid understanding of the financial impact of the packaging program, aligned with the business strategy
• Passion for packaging sustainability
• Extensive experience in flexible packaging and fiber technology in food and beverages
• Strong knowledge of material science principles and applications
• Proven leadership and project management skills
• Previous experience in a managerial or supervisory role a plus
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong understanding of circular economy, recyclability, compostability, and reusability of packaging

• Knowledge of industry standards and regulatory requirements

• Track record of championing innovation and sustainable packaging
• Adept understanding of consumer-informed research, design, and testing methodologies
• Strong commercial acumen and technical development skills
• Change readiness, resiliency, and flexibility in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to travel: 25% or more during certain periods of time

Keurig Dr Pepper (NASDAQ: KDP) is a leading beverage company in North America, with a portfolio of more than 125 owned, licensed and partners brands and powerful distribution capabilities to provide a beverage for every need, anytime, anywhere. We operate with a differentiated business model and world-class brand portfolio, powered by a talented and engaged team that is anchored in our values. We work with big, exciting beverage brands and the #1 single-serve coffee brewing system in North America at KDP, and we have fun doing it!

Together, we have built a leading beverage company in North America offering hot and cold beverages together at scale. Whatever your area of expertise, at KDP you can be a part of a team that’s proud of its brands, partnerships, innovation, and growth. Will you join us?

We strive to be an employer of choice, providing a culture and opportunities that empower our team of ~29,000 employees to grow and develop. We offer robust benefits to support your health and wellness as well as your personal and financial well-being. We also provide employee programs designed to enhance your professional growth and development, while ensuring you feel valued, inspired and appreciated at work.

Keurig Dr Pepper is an equal opportunity employer and recruits qualified applicants and advances in employment its employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability or association with a person with a disability, medical condition, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.