Packaging & Materials Strategy Manager

At Lakeside Foods and our family of companies, we're committed to providing wholesome foods to enrich people’s lives through food. We are a culture that pursues our vision of growth and innovation with passion, confidence, and commitment. We are strongest together – valuing collaborative contribution, transparency and new ideas to enable change and growth. We are committed to an inclusive and respectful environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance, and there’s a seat at the table for you.

Become One of Our Valued Team Members:

As a Packaging & Materials Strategy Manager, you’ll lead the charge in developing innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective packaging solutions across Lakeside Foods and its subsidiaries. This role blends technical packaging expertise with strategic materials management, offering the opportunity to drive real impact across our supply chain, operations, and customer experience.

What You'll Get:

At Lakeside Foods, we believe in taking care of our people. That’s why, as part of the Lakeside family, you’ll have a package of affordable benefit choices and resources to support your health, well-being, family, and future.

Comprehensive Benefits:

• A choice of three quality, affordable healthcare coverage options
• Vision and dental coverage
• Health savings account with employer contribution / flexible spending accounts
• Retirement planning including Profit Sharing and 401(k) match
• Company-provided life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Generous paid time off including vacation, personal days, and holidays

Work-Life Integration:

• Educational & professional development assistance
• Wellness programs and fitness reimbursement
• Dependent scholarship program
• Career growth opportunities
• Friendly office environment
• “Dress for your day” dress code

What You'll Do:

• Lead packaging projects from concept to commercialization with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and cost optimization
• Develop and maintain packaging specifications and databases
• Serve as the subject matter expert on packaging materials, printing processes, and equipment capabilities
• Collaborate cross-functionally with procurement, sales, operations, and QA
• Manage packaging inventory and oversee material management systems
• Support operations in troubleshooting packaging quality issues
• Lead and develop a team of materials professionals

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in packaging or materials management, preferably in the food industry
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, printing processes, and industrial design
• Experience with SAP and advanced Excel/database skills
• Excellent communication and project management abilities
• Willingness to travel to vendors and Lakeside warehouses as needed

Where You’ll Work:

WELCOME TO MANITOWOC

Nestled along 20 miles of stunning Lake Michigan shoreline, Manitowoc is a maritime gem. Whether you're exploring the USS Cobia submarine, enjoying outdoor concerts, or sailing on the S.S. Badger, you'll find a vibrant community and a beautiful place to call home.

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Lakeside Foods and our family of companies welcomes people of all backgrounds and the varied ideas they bring to the workplace. Being an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer is part of our heritage and culture. We recruit, hire and promote employees based on qualifications and merit, without regard to race, religion, age, gender, disability, marital or veteran status. Lakeside Foods participates in E-Verify.

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