What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Packaging Technology position at Hostess Brands, Inc.?
Company Overview
Hostess Brands, LLC, is a large packaged food company focused on developing, manufacturing, marketing, selling and distributing fresh baked sweet goods in the United States such as Ding Dongs®, Ho Hos®, Donettes® and Fruit Pies, in addition to Twinkies®, CupCakes, Voortman’s Cookies and Wafers.
Job Overview
The Packaging Technology Director is accountable for five areas of focus for this role: first, responsible for packaging design and development execution from concept through to commercialization, second, this support new packaging equipment capabilities that aligns with growth and renovation initiatives; third, develop processes internally with product development and externally with Engineering and suppliers/ vendors to drive ESL (extended shelf-life); fourth, provide support on cost savings, simplification and continuous operational improvement of packaging throughout the product life cycle; and fifth, develop, lead, and implement sustainable packaging initiatives and build and track metrics for reporting against recyclable, renewable, and compostable packaging. The role will support Hostess manufacturing, Voortman manufacturing, and co-manufacturing ensuring all packaging specifications are established, documented, and approved.
This role can be located in our corporate office (Lenexa, KS) or at one of the following manufacturing locations (bakeries): Chicago, IL - Indiapolis, IN - Columbus, GA
The role requires travel 30-40%
Responsibilities
- Identifies and demonstrates proof of principle of innovative packaging and packaging equipment and drives this through commercialization excellence.
- Proactively drives innovation development efforts, creating a holistic approach to packaging design that delights the consumer and enables competitive advantage.
- Determines new technologies for optimization of SBG packaging equipment to drive automation and savings across all Hostess Brands facilities.
- Creates package test plans protocols, monitors testing, and interprets data to insure package integrity throughout product lifecycle.
- Gather and translate insights into potential strategic packaging opportunities.
- Leverage insights to determine seasonal LTO based packaging needs and develop functional attributes enhance consumer experience.
- Applies fundamental engineering principles to develop novel process solutions; strong collaboration skills with product development and external experts are essential
- Critically reviews experimental results and provide go-forward recommendations to project teams - also anticipate challenges and take initiative to develop and pursue alternate process solutions as appropriate
- Develops, tests, reviews and recommends proposals for packaging/equipment designs by translating needs of business into work plans, anticipating risks and incorporating mitigation strategies, and developing succinct communications for senior leaders.
- Review CAPEX submissions by Engineering/ Manufacturing to advise feasibility
- Manage key suppliers from a technical POV.
- Scans suppliers and other external sources for new packaging technologies that could be applicable to Hostess, evaluates for functionality and applicability, and creates a business case for promising technologies for further validation.
- Manage lower-level packaging engineers, technicians, or other technical staff developing them personally and professionally and managing tasks and performance of the team to meet critical department and company goals.
Qualifications
- 15 years packaging or engineering, equipment design, automation
- Clear understanding of the application of broad range of packaging materials and manufacturing processes such as: printed roll stock, laminated pouches, corrugated shipping containers, etc.
- Proven demonstration of coordinating packaging technology/ engineering projects with specific knowledge of industry standards and drawing/ document systems as CAD, MS Project, etc.
- Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office and databases
- Knowledge of relevant regulatory requirements
- Interaction with outside vendors, packaging equipment suppliers, engineering firms
- Ability and willingness to act
- Excellent problem solving and trouble shooting skills
- Willingness to travel 30 – 40% of the time
Education:
- BS/MS in Packaging Science, Engineering, or equivalent industrial experiences
- Training in HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points) preferred.