Packaging Engineer- Value Improvement & Sustainability

Engineering & Industrial Development
Job ID:
72977
Chicago, IL, US (Hybrid)
Permanent

As a Packaging Program Engineer, you’ll lead Value Improvement and Sustainability initiatives across Ferrero’s North American portfolio — including iconic brands like Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, Butterfinger, Baby Ruth, and Keebler Cookies.
Reporting to the R&D Packaging Sustainability and Value Improvement Manager, you’ll scope, evaluate, and manage key packaging programs that drive cost efficiency, operational excellence, and environmental impact reduction.
This role plays a pivotal part in Ferrero’s sustainability journey, helping ensure our packaging is Designed for Recycling, supporting data-driven decision-making, and advancing progress toward our global sustainability goals.

•    Assess current packaging materials, designs, and processes to identify opportunities for cost savings, efficiency gains, and environmental improvement without compromising quality or performance.
•    Co-lead ideation sessions with production sites, suppliers, and cross-functional partners to generate, evaluate, and implement value improvement and cost-optimization projects.
•    Track and document optimization initiatives, maintaining clear records and reporting results to stakeholders to ensure transparency and alignment with business priorities.
•    Develop tools, systems, and programs that enhance visibility, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making across teams.
•    Co-lead and align packaging sustainability initiatives across North America, ensuring local execution reflects global policies, standards, and long-term strategy.
•    Explore and pilot new packaging solutions and technologies that improve recyclability, operational efficiency, and overall consumer experience.
•    Monitor emerging trends, technologies, and competitor practices to identify innovative and cost-effective packaging strategies that advance sustainability goals.
•    Collect, analyze, and report packaging sustainability data to support annual reporting, KPI tracking, and performance assessments.
•    Collaborate cross-functionally and globally with R&D, Operations, Procurement, and Central Sustainability teams to ensure best-practice sharing and consistent execution.

•    Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Materials Science, or Engineering.
•    Minimum 5 years of experience in packaging development within the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry.
•    Strong knowledge of structural packaging design, materials, and manufacturing processes.
•    Proven experience in sustainability-driven packaging design and data/reporting management.
•    Excellent project management, problem-solving, and communication skills; capable of leading cross-functional initiatives without direct authority.
•    Collaborative, adaptable, and curious mindset — comfortable working in a global, fast-paced, and matrixed environment.
•    Hands-on experience with MS Office Suite.

The base salary range for this position is $93,000 - $126,528 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This range represents the anticipated salary for this position at this time. 

Careers with caring built in - discover our benefits here.

Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more about Ferrero at ferrero.com.

Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding.
Find out more here.

Ferrero N.A. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

#FNA

Our Application Process

We’re constantly looking for talented individuals who are ready to be part of our dynamic and growing organization. Ferrero is a company with a global presence and family values. Join us!