Structural Packaging Design Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

About the Role:
We have a current opening for a Primary Packaging Design Specialist and are actively reviewing applications.
As a Primary Packaging Design Specialist, you'll lead the design and development of food-contact primary packaging materials, support analytical laboratory testing and conduct hands-on validation trials within manufacturing facilities across Ferrero's North American portfolio - including iconic brands like Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, Butterfinger, Baby Ruth, and Keebler Cookies.
Reporting to the North American Primary Packaging Design Manager, this role integrates technical expertise, regulatory compliance, and consumer safety. This role partners closely with internal and external stakeholders across Ferrero's global network to assess risks, ensure regulatory alignment, and support sustainable packaging solutions.
The ideal candidate demonstrates strong attention to detail and the ability to communicate effectively with internal teams and external partners, including suppliers, laboratories, and regulatory and legal bodies.
Main Responsibilities:
• Support the end-to-end development of food-contact primary packaging solutions from concept through validation, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal company policies related to food safety and sustainability.
• Perform hands-on laboratory testing of packaging materials, assess results, and communicate findings and risks clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Organize, review, and maintain compliance documentation and technical data from new suppliers or packaging solutions, including Declarations of Compliance, certifications, migration test reports, technical datasheets and other specifications.
• Communicate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders regarding food safety risks, compliance to global regulations, and adherence to internal policies.
• Coordinate with internal and external laboratories to support material and compliance testing, including sample management, timeline tracking, and results interpretation and reporting.
• Travel to manufacturing facilities to support packaging trials, on-site testing, and validation activities (up to 30% travel).
• Collaborate globally with R&D, Quality, Operations, Procurement, and Central Primary Packaging and Laboratory teams to ensure technical alignment and consistent knowledge sharing.
About You:
• Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in packaging development, preferably within the food industry.
• Solid understanding of structural packaging design, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Working knowledge of food-contact packaging regulations and testing methodologies (e.g., FDA, EFSA); familiarity with EU or international standards is a plus.
• Excellent project management, problem-solving, and communication skills; capable of influencing cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and detail-oriented mindset, suited to a fast-paced, global, matrixed organization.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
As part of our recruitment process, Ferrero may use artificial intelligence (AI) enabled tools to assist with reviewing candidate applications. These tools are used solely to support recruiters by summarizing application information and identifying potential alignment with job requirements. AI does not independently screen out or select candidates, and it does not replace human judgment. Final decisions regarding candidate progression are always made by Ferrero recruiters and hiring managers.
Our Benefits & Perks:
Careers with caring built in - discover our benefits here.
The base salary range for this position is $96,708 - 128,944. 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.
In addition to base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other benefits.
About Ferrero:
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.
DE&I at Ferrero:
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 is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable human rights laws. Ferrero will recruit, hire, train, and promote all persons without regard to race, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, or history of disability (except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement and the individual is not able to perform the essential functions of the position even with reasonable accommodations), citizenship, or any other protected characteristic.
Ferrero will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise the People & Organization (HR) Representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.