Packaging Engineer - Home Chef
Chicago, IL
About the Job
Founded in 2013, Home Chef is the leading meal solutions company with both a retail and online presence. Available online at homechef.com and in retail at more than 2,100 Kroger grocery stores, Home Chef is committed to inspiring and enabling more people to cook simple, delicious meals, no matter how busy they are.
In 2023, Home Chef introduced a new brand, Tempo! Tempo features a rotating selection of ready-to-heat meals delivered directly to your door. These meals are better-for-you versions of familiar favorites, designed to save you time and reduce stress while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Our Tempo menu includes options that are protein-packed, fiber-rich, calorie and carb conscious, keto-friendly, and dietitian-approved.
Similar to our recipes, we recognize that variety is the spice of life, and therefore, our employees also bring their uniqueness and color to our fantastic team. We're eager to work with humble team players and pragmatic next-level thinkers to innovate on Home Chef's offerings.
The Packaging Engineer will manage the design, development, implementation and continuous improvement of new packaging materials within Home Chef's vast supply chain. From corrugated boxes or plastic film seals to thermal liners and recycled PET, the ideal candidate will bring a formal education in packaging design and couple it with years of experience working in food manufacturing or cold chain shipping. This individual will be responsible for bringing innovative and sustainable packaging solutions to business while also finding improvement opportunities for existing packaging items within the Home Chef product lines.
Detailed Responsibilities
Project Management
- Manage packaging projects from initial concepts to implementation in cross-functional settings
- Drive the direction of the project throughout planning and decision making processes
- Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for the teams / company
- Deliver technical expertise to executives / leaders to help in making business decisions
Packaging Optimization
- Assess and optimize current packaging materials and recommend areas of opportunities
- Conduct feasibility and validation testing of any new packaging changes
- Apply technical knowledge and leadership skills in problem-solving and driving improvements
New Product Introduction
- Manage the optimal design, validation and implementation of new packaging items
- Recommend new packaging options while balancing cost, performance and quality
- Work with vendors in developing and introducing new packaging items
- Oversee and coordinates ship testing and trials of new packaging items at the sites
Other
- Perform special projects as needed
- Manage packaging categories as needed
This position requires 60-80% travel.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science, Packaging Engineering, Packaging Design, Mechanical Engineering or related field
- 3-5 years of work experience in the packaging field, strong understanding of CPG and E-commerce industry preferred
- Strong understanding of packaging materials, packaging design, manufacturing capabilities & converting processes
- Good understanding of packaging regulatory requirements, food safety, food manufacturing and related technologies
- Strong negotiating and interpersonal skills with proven ability to develop and maintain internal and external partnerships
- Flexible and ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to collect and analyze raw data to make recommendations with valid assumptions
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Team management experience is a plus
- Must be willing to travel up to 40%.
- Must be available to respond to work related inquiries during weekends if needed
More About Us
Perks and Benefits
- Candidates can experience Home Chef as a customer - enter promo code PEOPLE30 for $30 off your first order!
- Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance available
- Paid holidays, sick time and vacation time
- 401k program
- Flexible spending accounts for qualified medical, dependent care, parking, or transit expenses
How We Work Together
We are humble team players.
We are warm and gracious with team members and customers. We seek feedback to improve ourselves - and respectfully listen to and accept input.
We are pragmatic next-level thinkers.
We come up with novel and unique ideas. We explore new strategies to avoid being constrained by conventional thinking.
We take ownership.
We approach ambiguous problems, prepared to dive in, get curious, and learn more. We are results-driven, always challenging ourselves to exceed goals.
Be at Home at Home Chef
We all show up authentically at Home Chef. Our team includes individuals with a variety of identities, backgrounds, and perspectives. You can trust that you'll be able to bring your whole self to an inclusive and enjoyable workplace.
We welcome people of all races, colors, religions, national origin or ancestry, sex (including sexual identity), age, physical or mental disabilities, pregnancy, veteran or military status, unfavorable discharge from military service, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, order of protection status, citizenship status, arrest record or expunged/sealed convictions, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law.
Home Chef is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Home Chef will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact our People team at hr@homechef.com.
To view the California Applicant Notice click here
