Packaging Development Specialist

at  Nature Fresh Farms Inc

NATURE FRESH FARMS IS A LEAMINGTON-BASED GREENHOUSE COMPANY WITH FACILITIES IN LEAMINGTON, ON AND DELTA, OH. OUR COMPANY AND ITS INNOVATIVE, DYNAMIC TEAM IS EXPANDING EVERY DAY, GROWING NEW PLANT VARIETIES AND INTRODUCING CUTTING-EDGE IDEAS AND PRACTICES TO THE FRESH PRODUCE INDUSTRY. HOWEVER, AT NATURE FRESH, WE DON’T JUST GROW PLANTS – WE ALSO GROW PEOPLE. OUR TEAM IS PASSIONATE ABOUT BRINGING THE HIGHEST QUALITY PRODUCTS TO CONSUMERS, BUT IT IS ALSO COMMITTED TO CREATING AN INSPIRING, DIVERSE, AND TEAM-ORIENTED WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT THAT EVERYONE CAN ENJOY. NATURE FRESH FARMS IS A RECOGNIZED LEADER WITHIN THE GREENHOUSE FARMING INDUSTRY – JOIN OUR TEAM AND HELP US CONTINUE TO GROW!

We are currently looking to fill permanent full-time positions for a Packaging Development Specialist for our Marketing department at our Leamington, ON location
The Packaging Development Specialist will be responsible for all aspects of new packaging development. Researching with new and existing suppliers to develop unique and sustainable packaging that will lead towards innovative concepts and designs that differentiates Nature Fresh Farms from the competitive market. Providing direct support to our Sales, Marketing and Purchasing teams in new or existing packaging options, in a cost efficient, and the timely manner. Overseeing and coordinating new product/packaging launch by working with our internal stakeholders. Working closely with packaging suppliers to develop custom high-end packaging solutions that not only look premium but also meet sustainability standards and ensure safe delivery of our products to our customers.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• 3+ years working in Material science, Packaging Development, Packaging engineering or equivalent.
• Previous experience working in the food & beverage industry or produce industry are definite asset.
• CAD or Catia experience are an asset.
• Material & process knowledge in the packaging industry.
• Creative, Innovative, and open minded.
• Ability to maintain respectful relationships at all levels within and outside the organization.
• Very high degree of confidentiality and integrity required regarding all aspects of the business.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills; proven ability to successfully manage tasks and projects independently; strong planning and problem-solving skills.
• Open to exploring additional training and education, industry related to further personal development.
• High level of proficiency with Office software packages, including Word and Excel.
• Exceptional communication skills, reading, writing, listening and oral communication.
• A valid driver’s license and use of personal vehicle are required.
• A valid passport and ability to travel locally and internationally are required.

• Responsible for the design & development of packaging for a range of Nature Fresh Farms products.
• Responsible for testing functionality in new packaging designs in production on existing and new machinery/automation lines.
• Improving and redesigning of existing packaging for efficiencies.
• Monitoring market developments on new materials, sustainability, and regulations.
• Checking with current supply base for new technologies, new developments, new materials.
• Working hand in hand with the Sales, Marketing, Business Development, and Purchasing teams to satisfy customer requirements, market trends and new developments to let Nature Fresh Farms standout to competitors.
• Lead & coordinate the approval process for all packaging items between internal customers and suppliers, and Nature Fresh Farms customers.
• Sourcing new suppliers if current supply base doesn’t have capabilities or capacity.
• Tracking of new projects from design stage, design approval until packaging implementation.
• Kick-off & tracking of new items in the Nature Fresh Farms system until handover to Purchasing/Buyer.
• Generates, modifies, and communicates packing specifications for new business and provides support for existing specifications if deviations are needed, in a timely manner.
• Collaborates with Food Safety and Compliance on certifications and regulations.
• Leads, monitors, and coordinates sample requests for new items for customer approvals.
• Schedules packaging trials and is present in domestic packing facilities for all new product launches.
• Provides frequent status updates on new and existing developments to all stakeholders.
• Attend industry trade show events to gain knowledge with trends and new packaging innovations.
• Supports and prepares new products for trade shows.
• Other duties as assigned.