The Director of Packaging & Processing Systems is a senior engineering leader responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, optimization, and lifecycle management of packaging and processing equipment across all manufacturing sites. This role ensures high performance, efficiency, hygiene, and regulatory compliance of automated systems supporting food and beverage production. The director leads cross-functional teams to drive innovation, standardization, and continuous improvement in line with safety, sustainability, and operational goals.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Engineering Execution
Define and execute the long-term strategy for packaging and processing systems across all production facilities.
Lead capital investment planning and execution for new packaging lines, process upgrades, and automation initiatives.
Develop and enforce global engineering standards for design, equipment selection, and system integration.
Packaging & Processing Systems Oversight
Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of packaging systems (fillers, labelers, case packers, palletizers, etc.) and processing equipment (mixers, cookers, blenders, CIP/SIP systems).
Ensure systems deliver optimal throughput, product quality, changeover flexibility, and hygienic design.
Drive system integration with upstream/downstream processes and automation controls (PLC, SCADA, MES).
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with Production, Quality Assurance, Maintenance, EHS, and Supply Chain to align packaging/processing systems with business and operational goals.
Collaborate with R&D and Product Development teams to scale new products with process and packaging readiness.
Serve as a technical lead in plant expansions, new product introductions, and process validations.
Compliance, Safety & Sanitary Design
Ensure all systems comply with food safety regulations (FDA, USDA, FSMA), 3-A Sanitary Standards, and corporate GMP protocols.
Lead risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies for processing and packaging operations.
Promote a culture of safety through robust design, equipment guarding, and training.
Team Leadership & Development
Build and lead a high-performing team of packaging and process engineers, project managers, and technical specialists.
Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and technical excellence across engineering teams.
Mentor engineering talent and provide career development opportunities.
Technology & Vendor Management
Evaluate and implement new technologies in robotics, high-speed automation, smart packaging, and advanced process controls.
Manage relationships with OEMs, integrators, and technology partners to ensure performance, reliability, and value.
Drive standardization of components and platforms to improve maintainability and reduce costs.
Key Focus Areas:
Capital project execution for packaging and process equipment
High-speed automation and hygienic design
Cross-functional integration and process scalability
Regulatory and food safety compliance
Packaging innovation and standardization
Engineering team leadership and development
Qualifications & Skills:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Chemical Engineering required
Master’s degree or MBA preferred
Certifications:
PMP, Six Sigma, or Lean Manufacturing certifications a plus
Knowledge of 3-A, ASME, and sanitary design standards strongly preferred
Experience:
12+ years of engineering experience in food & beverage, pharmaceutical, or CPG manufacturing
5+ years in a senior leadership role overseeing packaging and/or processing systems
Proven success in executing large-scale automation projects and packaging system upgrades
Technical Skills:
Deep knowledge of automated packaging lines, food-grade processing systems, and utility integration
Familiarity with CAD/CAE tools, line layout development, process flow diagrams, and equipment specifications
Expertise in sanitary design principles, GMP compliance, and system validation
Leadership & Soft Skills:
Visionary leader with ability to influence across functions and levels
Strong project management and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and team-building capabilities
Results-oriented with a focus on efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement