Manager, Technical Services - FFS/Preform

At Danone North America, we are dedicated to achieving world-class manufacturing performance through strong leadership, innovation, and continuous improvement. As the Manager, Technical Services - FFS/Preform, you will play a key role in driving technical excellence across our manufacturing network, focusing on packaging systems, equipment reliability, and site capability. This position is essential for supporting productivity, quality, and agility goals, while fostering a culture of proactive problem-solving and skill development.

You will support the integration of best practices from Danone operations and leading external CPG organizations to strengthen our technical capabilities and ensure our manufacturing systems are ready for the future.

Job Responsibilities:

Support the execution of the Manufacturing Technical Optimization strategy for FFS/Preform platforms by developing team capability, aligning on standards, and resolving technical issues.
• Assist in developing and implementing contingency plans for equipment failures and supply disruptions to minimize operational risks and ensure supply continuity.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Innovation teams on new capacity installations and packaging innovations to ensure smooth integration with current systems.
• Utilize advanced analytics and digital tools (e.g., IoT, predictive maintenance) to monitor equipment performance and inform maintenance decisions.
• Provide technical support at manufacturing sites to resolve issues impacting performance and throughput.
• Ensure packaging material specifications are compatible with equipment capabilities and performance standards.

Capability Building

• Help design and deliver training programs for key manufacturing equipment, partnering with HR and L&D to build frontline technical skills.
• Promote best practice sharing across sites to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and raise technical standards.
• Lead or participate in technical workshops and forums to encourage continuous learning and innovation.

Supplier & Partner Management

• Support the management of relationships with equipment suppliers, technology partners, and service providers to ensure access to innovative solutions and reliable support.
• Contribute to supplier development and co-innovation efforts to meet evolving manufacturing needs.
• Partner with other functions such as Engineering, HR, MCLs, R&I, Procurement, Plant Teams, and PMO to deliver operational and learning objectives.

The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $140,000 USD. The exact salary offered will depend on several factors, including the candidate's relevant experience, geographic location, internal equity, and market conditions. Danone North America additionally offers a performance-based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options. To give our employees flexibility, Danone is a hybrid work environment.

Experience and Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Packaging Science, or a related technical field preferred. Non-degreed considered if exhibited 8-10+ years technical packaging experience in manufacturing.
• 7-10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, technical services, or engineering roles within a food and beverage CPG environment; with emphasis on preform cup, Form-Fill-Seal equipment and materials.
• Demonstrated success in supporting technical optimization programs across multiple sites.
• Experience with TPM, IWS, Lean, and digital manufacturing tools.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate data into actionable insights.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Solid technical foundation with hands-on corporate and plant experience.
• Experience optimizing packaging lines.
• Familiarity with TPM, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing.
• Proficiency in Excel, Power BI, and SAP.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to work across functions and resolve differing opinions within teams or with external partners.

Life at Danone
With approximately 5,000 employees and 13 production locations across the U.S., our vibrant culture and endless growth opportunities are just a couple of the reasons our employees call themselves "Proud Danoners."

Learn more about Life at Danone

Our Brands
When you join us, you'll work with some of the best-known food and beverage brands in the world, including Activia, DanActive, Danimals, Dannon, evian, Follow Your Heart, Happy Family Organics, International Delight, Light + Fit, Nutricia , Oikos, Silk, So Delicious Dairy Free, STK Cold Brew Coffee , Too Good & Co, and YoCrunch.

Our Purpose
We're committed to making a positive impact on our world. Rooted in our mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible, we're proud to be the world's largest B Corp.

Learn more about our mission.

Our Benefits
Our commitment to making the world healthier starts with our employees.

• Physical Wellbeing: We pay for the majority of your medical benefits - which include medical, dental and vision - with our competitive 80%/20% cost-sharing model
• Mental Wellbeing: Danoners receive fitness discounts, unlimited flexible time off and hybrid work schedules. We also have a range of programs that support mental health and substance abuse.
• Financial Support: We offer a performance-based bonus, a 401(k) plan, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs and voluntary perks.
• Family Care: We offer caretaker benefits, 18 weeks of parental bonding, fertility, surrogacy, adoption benefits and pet insurance.

Learn more about our benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Danone North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial and/or local law. For our EEO policy statement and your EEO rights under law click here.

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