Senior Packaging Engineer-Merchandising

The captivating story of Hershey's spans nearly a century and a half of industrial and social change. It was in the year 1894 that candy manufacturer Milton Hershey made the decision to try adding chocolate coating to his caramels.

This position is responsible for the development of packaging materials, temporary displays and other merchandising solutions. Working independently, and with vendors, the Engineer will research, develop, test and recommend various packaging design proposals for implementation at Hershey’s North America manufacturing and retail locations. Working closely with business partners, the Engineer will create innovative solutions to drive retail merchandising sales and support new product innovation. The position will also lead cost savings initiatives by working collaboratively with Manufacturing, Marketing and Equipment Engineering. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent communication and people skills, strong project leadership, and technical expertise

* Collaborate with Marketing and Supply Chain on project objectives and expectations * Research, develop, test and implement proposals for packaging design. * Recommend, select and execute packaging designs (displays). * Lead junior engineers and contractors; shares knowledge with others within the organization. * Determines impact of new packaging design to existing and new automation at manufacturing locations. Modify designs accordingly to optimize manufacturing and labor efficiencies. * Responsible for determining packaging material specifications to maintain product integrity. This includes development of appropriate design to maximize long term quality and shelf life of product while minimizing or reducing cost. * Ensures the accuracy of specifications issued, including mechanical drawings, assembly guidelines, and written text. * Develop packaging bill of materials and enter into project management system. * Conduct analytical testing on materials and interpret data findings. * Present design recommendations to key stakeholders. Ensure project success by keeping project on schedule through strong communication while evaluating technical data. * Initiates ideation sessions and works with Marketing to lead the development of concepts that contribute to consumer purchase decisions. * Conduct value analysis and cost reduction activities on packaging materials and labor reduction.

**Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required:** * Knowledge of manufacturing and assembly processes; includes understanding of how packaging design changes impact processes, lead times, resource requirements, and development costs. * Ability to design and interpret transport simulations, lab and plant testing. * Ability to independently prioritize and manage multiple projects. * Demonstrated interpersonal leadership. Self-Motivation and initiative. * Ability to translate internal and external customer needs into relevant/meaningful packaging solutions * Organizational skills