Packaging Project Manager - R&D

 

POSITION TITLE: Packaging Project Manager	POSITION STATUS: Full-Time, Permanent, Exempt
LOCATION: Liberty, SC	DEPARTMENT: R&D
REPORT TO: Simone Bauwens, Director of R&D And Business Development	EFFECTIVE DATE: May 2026

Cérélia’s Frozen Breakfast Business Unit – US Waffle – is driving an ambitious growth strategy supported by its manufacturing facilities in Liberty, South Carolina and Hazelwood, Missouri. To support continued expansion and product innovation at our Liberty facility, we are seeking a skilled and driven Packaging Project Manager to join our team.

We are looking for a hands-on, technically strong, and highly collaborative professional who will serve as our internal expert on packaging materials and lead packaging-related R&D and improvement initiatives. This role is ideal for someone who combines deep knowledge of packaging materials and food applications with strong project management capabilities and a practical, plant-focused mindset.

This is not a purely strategic role. The Packaging Project Manager will be highly engaged on the production floor, working closely with packaging equipment specialists, operations teams, and suppliers to test, validate, and implement new packaging solutions. The role requires the ability to translate testing data into clear, actionable recommendations that drive results.

The successful candidate will lead packaging innovation projects, support material optimization efforts, and collaborate cross-functionally to improve packaging performance, cost efficiency, and sustainability. We are looking for someone who brings both technical expertise and strong execution skills—someone who can turn ideas into tangible outcomes.

This position plays a key role in supporting operational excellence, product quality, and continuous improvement across the facility.

This strategic position will report directly to the Director of R&D and Business Development of the Frozen Breakfast Business Unit.
 
1) Packaging Expertise and Material Strategy

• Serve as the internal subject matter expert on packaging materials.
• Define and promote best practices for packaging material selection based on product protection, shelf life, manufacturability, cost, and sustainability.
• Evaluate new packaging technologies and recommend improvements aligned with business goals.
• Partner with procurement to identify, evaluate, and qualify new materials and suppliers.

2) Project Management and R&D

• Lead packaging-related R&D and improvement projects from concept through commercialization.
• Develop and manage project timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of projects.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

3) Testing, Validation, and Implementation

• Work closely with packaging equipment specialists and plant teams to execute line trials and testing activities.
• Design and oversee packaging trials including performance, shelf-life, and transportation testing.
• Analyze test results and translate findings into clear, actionable next steps.
• Ensure successful implementation of packaging changes into production.

4) Continuous Improvement and Optimization

• Identify opportunities to improve packaging performance, reduce cost, and enhance sustainability.
• Drive initiatives to optimize material usage, reduce waste, and improve efficiency.
• Support troubleshooting of packaging-related issues on the production floor.

5) Cross-Functional Collaboration and Documentation

• Partner with operations, engineering, quality, procurement, and suppliers to support packaging initiatives.
• Communicate project updates, risks, and results to leadership.
• Maintain accurate documentation for trials, specifications, test protocols, observations, and project progress.
• Create items in the ERP system, follow up with other collaborators on their contributions and lead clearance meetings to launch new items.
• compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements related to packaging.

  

• Drive High Performance: Establishes clear accountability for outcomes. Demonstrates focus and discipline in planning and execution. Acts with speed, agility and demonstrates a sense of urgency to keep momentum.
• Collaborate: Builds and maintains strong relationships and makes commitments to others and follows through. Actively listens and communicates openly. Engages constructively in debates. Supports and executes decisions once made.
• Can-do attitude: Demonstrates a positive, solution-focused approach, actively seeks out opportunities to improve processes, and readily tackles challenges with resilience and enthusiasm. Thrives in dynamic environments and is motivated by delivering impactful results.
• Innovate: Challenges the status quo by pro-actively identifying opportunities for improvement. encourages sharing best practices, creativity, and experimentation; learns from setbacks and adapts quickly.
• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Exhibits precision and thoroughness, consistently producing reliable work. Demonstrates diligence in reviewing data, identifying discrepancies promptly, and ensuring adherence to high standards of quality and compliance.

 

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Food Science, Materials Science, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Experience

• 3–7+ years of experience in packaging, preferably within food manufacturing or consumer goods.
• 5+ years progressive project management experience required.
• Proven experience managing projects and leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment and supporting plant operations.

Knowledge and Certifications

• Basic understanding of food labeling regulatory requirements.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, food packaging requirements, and testing methods.
• Familiarity with packaging equipment, line trials, and commercialization processes.
• Knowledge of sustainability trends and recyclable/alternative materials is a plus.

• PMP or other project management certification is a plus.

Skills and Competencies

• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and drive decisions.
• Effective communication and ability to influence without direct authority.
• High degree of proficiency in MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications.
• Strong documentation and follow-through.
• Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management (from conception to completion), & planning skills

 
Physical/Working Conditions

• Regular presence on the manufacturing floor.
• Ability to walk the facility, climb stairs, and stand for extended periods.
• May occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to wear required PPE and work in production environments with noise, temperature variation, and moving equipment.
• May work flexible hours to support trials, testing, and project implementation.

Decision-Making/Authority

• Recommends packaging materials, specifications, and process improvements.
• Leads packaging-related project decisions within scope.
• Has authority to initiate and coordinate trials and testing activities.
• Escalates risks, delays, and major decisions to leadership as needed.

 
A successful Packaging Project Manager:

• Drives packaging projects from concept to successful implementation.
• Improves packaging performance, cost efficiency, and sustainability.
• Builds strong partnerships with operations, engineering, and suppliers.
• Translates technical data into practical, plant-ready solutions.
• Brings a balance of technical expertise and hands-on execution to the manufacturing floor.