Packaging Engineer - ITW Permatex

Permatex is a leading manufacturer, distributor and marketer of premium chemical products to the automotive maintenance and repair, home and hardware markets. Product categories include gasket makers, sealants, hand cleaners, threadlockers, adhesives, cleaners, repair kits, and lubricants under well-recognized brand names such as Permatex®, the Right Stuff®, Fast Orange®, Spray Nine®, Versachem®, and Devcon® home.

We offer a competitive salary in exchange for your skills and experience! Check out more at https://myitwhr.com/ Additional benefits offered include tuition reimbursement, 15 vacation days at start, 11 paid holidays annually, employee engagement events, safety incentives, etc. 

This role is responsible for understanding business sourcing needs and identifying and evaluating the best suppliers that meet business standards. They will oversee and manage the packaging development process, including the creation of packaging designs, development, and performance testing. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyze market dynamics to understand upstream cost drivers and its effect on cost and market capacity, develop mitigation strategies where necessary.
• Conduct and lead supplier business reviews in coordination, with ITW internal customers, against the defined KPIs and targeted business outcomes.
• Establish benchmark measures at the start of the project and track success, including cycle times, lead times, savings, improved delivery and simplified processes.
• Researches quality, price, timing, and reliability of supply.
• Develop and prototype packaging designs with marketing, vendors, 3rd party contract manufacturers and customers throughout exploration and feasibility stages.
• Create comprehensive test plans and perform package ship testing to include distribution simulations, material performance, bench-marking, and package/product compatibility.
• Maintain knowledge and evaluate new packaging developments, materials, trends and packaging systems for possible product applications.
• Test, analyze, and selects materials for packaging based on innovation, durability, compatibility and cost effectiveness.
• Provide data to Item Master Gatekeeper regarding updated packaging changes to the Bills of Material (BOMs). Create pallet patterns to support manufacturing protocols.  Develops and maintains specifications for new packages.
• Review current packaging with intent to standardize the Value-Added Value Engineering (VAVE) principles.
• Maintains all package component records for new packaging and changes.
• Evaluates and approves changes to existing packaging.
• Works with EHS to assure that package related regulations are understood and met; staying aware of any packaging related regulations.
• Perform basic analysis on bids, proposals, and quotes, and provides data to Director of Purchasing.
• Vendor management in packaging and chemicals. 
• Monitors quality and timely delivery of materials and follows-up with and purchase orders that need attention.
• Responsible for sourcing year over year cost savings.
• Additional job activities as may be required by the Department.

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Packaging Engineering or Supply Chain; previous experience may be considered in lieu of degree
• Required 3-5 years’ experience with working knowledge in packaging, preferably within the consumer products industry
• Sourcing experience within a range of packaging materials such as: corrugated boxes, plastic bottles, labels, tubes, cans, bags
• Knowledge of JD Edwards ERP system
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills required
• Strong analytical and communication skills needed
• Proficiency in spreadsheet and database applications, general word processing, and MS Outlook capability
• Familiarity with production applications and process required
• 10-15% travel

ITW is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. EEO is the law. ITW invites any employee and/or applicant to review the Company’s Affirmative Action Plan. This plan is available for inspection upon request by emailing katie.craig@permatex.com . If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Katie Craig at (440) 914-3166. No other calls will be accepted.  

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.