About the Opportunity

This role is onsite 4 days a week and 1 day from home. There is NO relocation assistance and NO sponsorship for work visas/permits available. The Manager of Packaging Development leads complex cross-functional packaging initiatives and drives the development and implementation of innovative packaging solutions across Driscoll’s of the Americas. This role balances hands-on project execution with strategic oversight, working across fresh produce, packaging innovation and process improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate is an expert in packaging print technology, is experienced in managing supplier partnerships and packaging development from concept to commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute new packaging development and initiatives, particularly paper and film based.
• Lead complex cross-functional meetings to strategize, prioritize, and execute packaging initiatives.
• Coordinate the development and maintenance of paper packaging specifications.
• Manage packaging trials and line validations with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Maintain and enforce packaging technical guides:
  • Manage accurate packaging press builds and pre-press specifications
  • Ensure compliance with legal labeling standards (e.g., CCOF, H2R, Mexico National Market)
  • Manage artwork approvals, translations, and regulatory processes
• Build and manage supplier relationships, including:
  • Sourcing and qualifying new packaging materials and vendors.
  • Leading press checks and evaluating supplier quality pre-launch.
  • Negotiating Joint Design Agreements (JDAs).
• Manage How to Recycle (H2R) Approval process.
• Conduct Life Cycle Analyses (LCA) and partner with external consultants to evaluate new packaging solutions.
• Provide expert guidance on fresh fruit labeling requirements for Canada, Mexico and the USA.
• Domestic and international travel up to 25% required.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, or any Engineering degree.
• 5+ years of experience in packaging.
• 3+ years of project management experience.
• 3+ years of experience coordinating cross-functional teams and supplier relationships.
• 2+ years of experience in packaging development.
• 2+Paper packaging, supplier artwork coordination, process and product optimization.
• Adobe Illustrator experience is required.
• English (fluent)
• Able to work 4 days a week onsite in Watsonville, CA and 1 day from home.

• Relocation benefits NOT available.

• Sponsorship for work visas NOT available.

• OPT currently NOT available.

   

  Compensation & Benefits:

  
  The following information is provided in good faith as a general description of the salary range and benefits for the position posted.  The actual compensation offered to the successful candidate is dependent upon experience, skills, education, work location, internal pay equity, and other objective job-related factors. 

   

  Salary range estimated for this role is: $ 90,000 - $115,000 USD. Based on experience and qualifications.

   

  Driscoll’s is committed to a culture of care and offers an attractive benefits package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, and disability coverage for positions working more than 30 hours per week. Other benefits include:  401(k) with employer match, profit-sharing participation, paid sick time, paid vacation, paid personal and family care leave, and a free Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  More detailed information regarding the benefits package, will be shared during the application process.

About Driscolls

Driscoll's is the global market leader for fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers around the world, Driscoll's is passionate about growing fresh, beautiful and delicious berries. Our values of humility, passion and trustworthiness have guided our mission to delight consumers around the world.

Driscoll's exclusive patented berry varieties are developed through years of research using only natural breeding methods – meaning, no GMOs. From farm-to-table, we focus on delivering a high quality, premium berry experience with our many supply chain partners.

Driscoll's is the trusted brand for Only the Finest Berries™.

---

Driscoll's es el proveedor líder en la comercialización de Fresas, Frambuesas, Zarzamoras y Arándanos Azules en el mundo. Con más de 100 años de herencia en agricultura y cientos de productores independiente alrededor del mundo, Driscoll's es una compañía apasionada por cultivar Berries frescas, hermosas y deliciosas. Nuestros valores de humildad, pasión y confianza han guiado nuestra misión de deleitar a los consumidores en el mundo.

Las variedades exclusivas de Driscoll's han sido desarrolladas a través de años de investigación usando sólo métodos de mejoramiento natural. De la granja a la mesa, nos enfocamos en ofrecer una experiencia de alta calidad con apoyo de nuestros socios de la cadena de suministro.

Driscoll's es la marca de confianza de sólo las mejores Berries.