Associate Principal Packaging Engineer - Snacks - Golden Valley, MN

OVERVIEW

As the Snacks segment continues to grow, we are seeking an innovative and experienced Packaging leader who will enable growth through new and consumer-centric packaging solutions for fruit snacks, salty snacks, bars, and frozen snacking. In this role, you will commercialize key packaging initiatives across all channels and formats. You will work closely with external partners (e.g., suppliers, equipment manufacturers, co-manufacturers) and internal Supply Chain and Brand teams to bring innovative, scalable consumer-centric packaging solutions to life.

This role will focus on Pack Price Architecture to help the business find new ways to drive growth in our Snacks business. You will generate packaging solutions, influence stakeholders, and drive those plans to execution. This role will rely upon your packaging expertise, business accumen and stakeholder partnership to deliver remarkable product solutions for the business.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Recommend best design, influence and align with stakeholders, and execute optimized packaging design solutions supported by a robust business case analysis.
• Provide packaging development leadership on new and core products across Snacking categories, including high-barrier flexible packaging, cartons, rigid plastics, and corrugated.
• Build and leverage category, customer, and consumer knowledge for categories in the Snacks operating unit to create growth. Collaborate with Marketing and Brand Design to ensure packaging delights the consumer, meets channel needs, and supports the brand.
• Create and leverage internal and external connections to build technical solutions that serve consumer needs.
• Collaborate with business and Supply Chain teams to build packaging strategy and commercialize new materials, automation technologies, line upgrades, new packaging formats, and Price Pack Architecture (PPA).
• Manage multiple projects and flex prioritization based on business needs.
• Determine the impact of new packaging design on existing and new automation systems at manufacturing locations and lead efforts to identify solutions and resolve issues.
• Champion food safety, product, and packaging quality from design through production.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Packaging Science, Material Sciences, or other related fields
• 6+ years of experience in CPG food packaging development
• Knowledge in flexible high-barrier Snacking structures and high-speed manufacturing
• Demonstrated ability to manage and lead multiple complex, large-scale, technically driven projects from concept to commercialization
• Demonstrated strong agile leadership and ability to pivot quickly
• Strong communication skills and learning mindset
• Collaborate effectively in cross-functional and external environments
• Self-starter with a strong bias for action, as well as problem-solving and troubleshooting skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Packaging development experience, building and executing a packaging growth strategy in snacking categories
• Team leadership experience
• Experience leading price pack architecture work; sourcing ideas, bringing them to business, influencing key decisions, and then executing on those plans with packaging expertise
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills, strategic planning, and leadership skills.
• Experience developing and implementing sustainable materials.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

• Applicants for this position must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis, and General Mills will not sponsor applicants for this position for work visas.
• This role is located in Golden Valley, MN and will not consider remote applicants or international applications. General Mills will provide relocation to the candidate selected for this role as long as they meet the relocation assistance policy.