Packaging Technologist

Department:  Procurement       
Reports to:  Director, Procurement
Status: Full-time

Location: Hybrid-

(with full ability to travel to sites regularly)

Position Summary:  

Reporting to the Director of Procurement the Packaging Technologist will play a critical role for Packaging Development and Technical packaging support for new and existing products.  The Packaging Technologist will be responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining packaging specifications and leading value engineering initiatives.   The role focuses on ensuring that packaging solutions meet quality, safety, sustainability and cost-effectiveness requirements while supporting the overall production and commercial strategies of Gay Lea Foods. 

Key Responsibilities:

Packaging development and specifications:

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive data base of packaging specifications ensuring accurate development, communication and documentation of standards in collaboration with QA and Operations.
• Team up with R&D, production, QA/ and commercial teams to ensure packaging meets functional, aesthetic and regulatory requirements.
• Lead and conduct packaging integrity trials/research at plants to validate product life cycle including storage/handling/distribution for new launches.
• Provide expertise in packaging during the planning of packaging equipment with the engineering & operations teams. Provide enhanced technical expertise to new initiatives to further support our growth agenda.
• Work with packaging suppliers, provide technical assistance and knowledge during implementation of packaging components based on Gay Lea Foods quality and efficiency standards.

Value Engineering / Continuous Improvement:

• Conduct benchmarking studies and keep up to date of industry advancements to maintain a competitive edge.
• Identify and lead value engineering projects for cost and performance optimization, waste reduction and sustainability improvements. Prepare and present recommendations and alternatives.

 Quality and Compliance:

• Co-ordinate with Procurement and QA on supplier selection, plant testing and specifications development, ensuring all new suppliers meet qualification protocol in compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements and company policies
• Work with Quality and suppliers to troubleshoot and make sound technical recommendations for existing quality issues related to packaging materials.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Aligned with our Circular Packaging strategy, drive sustainability initiatives in packaging by exploring eco-friendly materials, reducing packaging waste and improving recyclability.
• Stay up to date on industry trends and regulatory changes related to sustainable packaging. 

Education and Experience Qualifications:

• B.Sc. degree in Industrial Engineering, or Diploma in Packaging or related discipline
• Minimum 5 years of related experience in packaging development and or technical packaging for food or beverage products.  Experience in the Dairy Industry an asset.
• Able to identify and analyze problems, recommending and implementing flexible and creative solutions based on customer need.
• Possess excellent technical competence in food packaging systems with comprehensive knowledge of packaging materials (primary, secondary and tertiary), high speed packaging systems and food process engineering.
• Strong demonstrated team leadership skills, focusing on creating and embracing change.  Proficient in Microsoft office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint & MS Project).
• Strong communication and influencing skills, experienced in working with cross functional teams, with the ability to document system procedures in an understandable format.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results by working autonomously with minimal supervision.
• Proven people and project management skills.
• Demonstrated leadership in establishing great functional rapport with Marketing, Product Development, Purchasing, QA, Engineering and Manufacturing teams
• Must have access to reliable source of transportation (own vehicle to travel to production facilities).