Sr. Packaging Sustainability Engineer

Job description

About Liquid I.V.

Liquid I.V. is a 360-degree wellness company based in El Segundo, CA, created to fuel life's adventures. Our product line features great-tasting, non-GMO electrolyte drink mixes utilizing Cellular Transport Technology (CTT)® to enhance rapid absorption of water and other key ingredients into the bloodstream-helping consumers feel better, faster.

Our products are stocked in over 30,000 doors across the country, including the world's leading specialty, big box, and online retailers such as Costco, Walmart, Target, Amazon, and many more. In just a few short years, our growth has been exponential. With this in mind, we are looking for world-class team members to help us continue disrupting the wellness industry and hydrating people in need around the globe.

One last thing (or two): We recently joined our friends over at Unilever to help us grow Liquid I.V. into a global brand. As a mission-based organization, giveback is one of the core pillars built into our DNA. Since 2015, we have donated over 16 million servings of Liquid I.V. to those in need around the world through our one-to-one giveback pledge. As of 2021, we have donated over 5.4 million servings to organizations making an impact globally, nationally, and locally. As part of our mission, we are committed to upholding environmentally responsible business practices and championing an ethos of health and wellness for all.

We're excited to expand our team with a Sr. Packaging Sustainability Engineer. Come join us!

About the role:

Liquid I.V. is looking for a Sr. Packaging Sustainability Engineer to champion and lead initiatives for the brand to bring our sustainability strategy to life. This individual will be passionate about packaging sustainability and experienced in sustainability concepts, current industry practices, partners and trends.

As the subject matter expert on a cross-functional team, responsibilities include leveraging external technology, guiding current and new suppliers and co-packers, and qualifying and commercializing new initiatives. The Packaging Engineer will strategize and execute programs and processes optimized for omni-channel distribution.

This position reports to the Director of Sustainability and will collaborate cross-functionally with team members from Sustainability, Product Development, Quality, Marketing and Operations.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Provide technical leadership for sustainable packaging, materials, and technologies, providing technical assessments and strategic guidance for Liquid I.V.
• Make recommendations to Company management and non-technical audiences about emerging business opportunities, technology capabilities or advances.
• Drive business growth in partnership with cross-functional global / regional development teams to identify innovative and differentiated packaging material and technologies.
• Develop packaging development processes, best practices and supplier/co-packer relationships through collaboration.
• Research, evaluate and qualify innovative packaging solutions with current and new partners, while balancing cost, timing and quality.
• Design, prototype and assess (e.g., through lab or pilot experimentation) new technologies, including new formats and materials.
• Develop and approve packaging specifications and tools with internal colleagues and external resources.
• Identify innovative cost saving opportunities and continuous packaging improvements.
• Manage new product launches from concept through commercialization with a cross-functional team including Project Management, Product Development and Operations.
• Stay informed and educate the team of category, brand and competitive packaging trends and dynamics.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert regarding a variety of packaging materials and processes including Cartons, Corrugate, Laminated films and pouches, Bottles, etc.
• Provide guidance on environmental footprints of packaging through Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and recommendations.
• Assist in forming reports, marketing materials and campaigns to communicate and educate on sustainable packaging.
• A Subject Matter Expert who loves to share. You have an innate curiosity and love educating and informing others as you keep close tabs on industry sustainability trends.
• A strong communicator and collaborator.
• A dynamite problem solver and project manager. You're always thinking (at least) one step ahead and outside the box.
• Adaptable, ambitious and thrives in ambiguity. Self-starter. You will enthusiastically take on assignments to support your team!

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Packaging Technology/Science, Engineering or equivalent.
• Experience in packaging materials or equipment is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in CPG R&D Packaging Development.
• Demonstrated track record of developing and commercializing significant new products, technologies and sustainability solutions to drive business growth.
• Ability to effectively communicate to non-technical leaders.
• Familiar with packaging technologies including Cartons, Corrugate and Flexible Pouches.
• Strong understanding of sustainable, recyclable and reusable materials and packaging formats.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and quality assurance principles (e.g. CQV).
• Experience with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
• Experience using pallet software TOPS or CAPE.

What We Give:

• 100% company-paid medical, dental and vision insurance for employees (PPO, HMO and Kaiser options).
• A 401k plan with company match, short and long-term disability coverage.
• A generous PTO and sick policy that includes 13+ paid annual holidays.
• Wellness classes (fitness, mental health, nutrition, finance, etc.).
• An Employee Assistance Program, including membership for guided meditation for all employees.
• Monthly phone and gym reimbursement.
• Opportunities to participate in our Giveback Mission to help Change The World.
• Copious amount of Liquid I.V. product to keep you Fueled for Life's Adventures!

Work Environment:

• Office environment with flexibility for industry events. Most responsibilities of this job will be handled from the office and up to 10% travel.

NOTICE: This role is currently remote due to the ongoing pandemic, however will return to normal office hours once it is safe to do so. Employees will be informed in a timely manner of a return date once it has been determined.

• PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.