Assistant Manager - Product Development

JOB PURPOSE:The Sr. Packaging Engineer is responsible for the specification, quality, and testing of packaging for furniture products. Develops reporting tools to track DC operation costs associated to package integrity.JOB RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:· Expert in material innovation (proactively works with package suppliers, participates in packaging trade shows to research innovative materials and approaches to packaging that can be applied to Whalen’s packaging. · Understands how to strategically apply alternatives to maximize performance (not just add as much as possible to just cross threshold of passing testing.· Evolves Whalen’s package supplier base based on regular performance metrics (production audits, furniture factory batch audits, and costing, stakeholder integrity) · Establish and manage factory-level auditing of the package quality (what is really being used, what is really part of the new incoming materials vs “golden samples”. Measure and publish. Incorporate into the vendor scorecard. · Develop and maintain general and specific packaging specifications that meet transportation and optimal distribution flow requirements for all furniture Products· Support the development and implementation of package-testing standards in our two in-house package testing labs, where testing is based on the method of transportation and distribution environment (ISTA-3A). · Review package test reports for compliance, taking corrective action as necessary. · Research, designate, and approve packaging suppliers worldwide. · Analyze damage reports on products and take appropriate corrective actions to eliminate future problems.JOB HOLDER’S COMPETENCIES & EXPERIENCE: · Bachelor's Degree, preferably in packaging or a technically related field.· Minimum 5 years of protective packaging experience. Extensive experience in dealing with soft-line/hard-line goods and furniture packaging, ISTA-3A packaging experience required· Project Management experience is essential. · Quality Management experience preferred. · Process Management experience preferred. · Excellent verbal and written communication skills · Proficiency in computer applications such as MS Office and Visio. AutoCAD and/or Inventor preferred, WMS knowledge, Access and Crystal knowledge a plus.· Domestic and International Travel up to 25%.