Lead Packaging Development Specialist

Who We Are At Lindt, we are a global fast-growing consumer goods company, enchanting the world with premium chocolate. We are driven by our passion for excellence and go the extra mile ensuring that every Lindt experience is nothing short of exceptional. Our collective efforts are geared towards making a positive impact, not only in the world of premium chocolate but also in the lives of our employees, customers, and communities. Our company embraces a culture defined by the core values of Excellence, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Responsibility, and Collaboration, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment where these principles drive our success. Position Purpose : As the key packaging resource for multiple brands and platforms, this position is responsible for independently leading complex packaging projects and supporting higher level technical initiatives. This will include developing innovative packaging formats from concept through implementation, optimization of existing packaging to drive value, and building competitive advantage as related to packaging. This individual will collaborate extensively with Marketing, Sales, Retail, Finance, IT, R&D and Quality, and all functions within Supply Chain (Procurement, Manufacturing, Customer Service, Logistics), to ensure timely completion of assigned packaging projects within the specified time, cost, and quality parameters. This is a hybrid role that requires three days per week in our Stratham, NH corporate office. Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities : Package Development Lead ideation, design, prototyping, and development of innovative packaging solutions focused on delivering memorable consumer experiences for new product lines. Translate creative concepts into functional, manufacturable packaging using your technical skills and collaborative mindset. Oversee the technical development process from conception to industrialization, ensuring solutions are viable for manufacturinginternally or at co-packers. Work cross-functionally with R&D, QA, Regulatory, Marketing, Procurement, and Manufacturing teams to align design, feasibility, cost, timing, and quality. Partner with the Procurement team to identify, develop, and onboard suppliers and vendors ensuring all technical and quality standards are met. Manage timelines, coordinate day-to-day packaging workstreams, and escalate issues as needed to keep projects on track. Combine industry and category insights with analytics to identify new opportunities and enhance our premium offerings. Project Management Demonstrate effective collaboration and leadership within a cross-functional team environment with minimal supervision (internal / external customers, including Operations, Supply Chain, and Brand teams). Manage and execute multiple projects at various stages, with shifting priorities, and extremely tight timelines. Participate and / or lead brainstorming and information gathering for resource planning process as needed. Strong organizational abilities to manage multiple priorities, timelines, deliverables, risks, and escalations. Technical Knowledge and Communication Provide subject matter expertise in selected packaging technology platform(s) while maintaining a working knowledge of the packaging principles and operating systems required to support Lindts business. Understand, interpret and refine package testing procedures and standards to support the effective design, validation, and implementation of new packages and packaging technology. Optimize overall efficiencies as related to packaging by collaborating cross functionally throughout the organization. Clear, concise, and impactful communication skills for presenting ideas and analyses. Knowledge and understanding of ISTA and ASTM standards for packaging test methods. Qualifications & Requirements : Skills & Knowledge : Strong knowledge and hands-on experience with packaging materials and packaging operations. Proficiency with PC applications (i.e. MS Office) an design and engineering software (i.e. ArtiosCAD, CAPE). Demonstrated experience in new product development, from concept through launch. Creative and collaborative mindset, with the ability to turn ideas into working prototypes and real-world solutions. Exceptional interpersonal skillsempathy, integrity, enthusiasm, and the ability to influence and build consensus across teams. Experience within an FDA regulated industry using cGMP best practices and processes; detail oriented. Education and Success : Bachelors degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field. 6-9 years of experience in packaging R&D, packaging engineering, product design, or similar roles. Experience in the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industry is a plus. Food & Beverage preferred. Direct involvement in cross-functional project teams and a proven ability to manage projects from concept to commercialization. Track record of bringing creative, consumer-focused packaging solutions to market. Other Requirements : Minimal travel; less than 5%. Minimal shift / weekend work; less than 5%. Occasional ability to lift and ca