Packaging Manager (R&D)

We are looking for a Packaging Manager to lead our team of Corporate R&D Packaging Engineers in Omaha, Nebraska.

We offer a flexible model for number of days/hours in the office and Fridays are remote!

Located along the Missouri River, our Omaha office is within walking distance to downtown shops and restaurants. Join us for yoga or strength training classes offered at our onsite fitness center! Conagra's R&D facilities in Omaha are state-of-the-art, including dedicated packaging spaces for ideation, design, and prototyping. Engineers have the ability perform in-house package testing and physical prototyping to bring new innovations to life utilizing our top-of-the-line equipment within our labs and other spaces.

We are seeking a dedicated people leader with a passion for coaching and development, sustainability, and knowledge of packaging engineering. As the Packaging Manager, reporting to the Senior Director of Packaging, you will lead a team of approximately 5 Corporate Packaging Engineers in development and commercialization of new, improved, and cost-reduced packaging ideas for Conagra’s portfolio. With a focus on sustainability and cost savings, you will provide leadership in the frozen consumer packaging group by driving packaging innovation platforms for these businesses and provide packaging leadership for cross functional project teams.

What else you'll do in this role:

• Champion ideas for technology improvements, cost savings, innovations that align with strategic fit of projects

• Manage technical team and cross-functional initiatives as part of business team leadership

• Set tactical and strategic objectives to drive business results

• Communicate strategies, priorities, and direction to staff

• Handle complex tasks and projects simultaneously

• Collaborate with internal and external partners and resources

• Exhibit a high level of professionalism and positively contribute to the image of ConAgra Foods in technical community

• Maintain excellent understanding and application of experimental design, performance specs, and CQV design.

• Maintain high awareness of technical trends and developments in the packaging industry

• Coach, mentor and develop a team of engineers ensuring individual growth through development plans.

• Lead development of technical work plans and execute projects integrated with business teams.  Lead technical as well as cross-functional project teams including negotiating for financial and human resources

What you'll need to be successful:

• Bachelors in Packaging, Engineering, or related field with 10+ years relevant work experience in packaging industry (CPG preferred). Or Masters/PhD in Packaging or related field with 7+ years relevant work experience in packaging industry (CPG preferred)

• Multiple years as a manager leading groups of engineers at varying levels.

• Experience with government regulatory requirements in the processing of food

• Excellent understanding of packaging materials capabilities and equipment

• Understanding of food science and how food is affected in packaging.

• General knowledge in food safety, sanitary design, and equipment cleaning.

• Clear understanding of the application of physical and structure package testing procedures.

• Able to analyze all aspects of new package systems.

• Advanced verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to collaborate and maintain cross-functional partnerships

• Ability to pursue exclusivity patents.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office

• Ability to travel 20-30% of time

Physical Requirements

• Exposure to manufacturing environments for periodic extended work days to include:  loud noise, excessive heat, cold, wet, slippery conditions and allergens.

• Ability to travel up to 20-30% of time. Must be able to travel independently and as a responsible ConAgra Foods, Inc. representative

• Ability to lift 25 to 50 lbs

• Ability to stand for sit or stand for extended periods of time

We require applicants for this role to be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship either now or in the future.

Our benefits include medical, dental, vision, 15 vacation days, 6 additional days off and 10 paid holidays. Check out our 401k plan too! Conagra will match 100% up to the first 6% of pay you save. The company will also provide a 3% non-elective contribution to your account regardless of your participation (that's 9%)!

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Our Benefits:

We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:

• Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid life, accident and disability insurance
• Wealth: great pay, incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
• Growth: online courses, virtual and classroom development experiences
• Balance: paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role)

Our Company:

Conagra Brands is one of North America's leading branded food companies. We have a rich heritage of making great food, and a team that’s passionate about innovation and growth. Conagra offers choices for every occasion through iconic brands, such as Birds Eye®, Marie Callender's®, Banquet®, Healthy Choice®, Slim Jim®, Reddi-wip®, and Vlasic®, and emerging brands, including Angie's® BOOMCHICKAPOP®, Duke's®, Earth Balance®, Gardein®, and Frontera®.

We pride ourselves on having the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in the food industry. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com.

Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. ​