Packaging Technologist Manager (Columbus)

Job Title: Packaging Technology ManagerDepartment: Continuous Improvement & ApplicationLocation: Ohio (Columbus & Jackson)Status: ExemptReports To: Corp. Sr. Dir. of Continuous Improvement & ApplicationBellisio Foods, Inc. is a growing global company with a long history of providing quality, innovative food tailored to meet consumer tastes and lifestyles. While headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, our immense production facility in Jackson, Ohio, creates more than 400 products spanning a wide variety of frozen food categories, including single and multi-serve entrees, snacks, and side dishes. We are a values-driven organization, making a solid investment in those who foster integrity, prize authenticity, and possess an entrepreneurial spirit.We cherish that each individual is unique and celebrate the differences that make each of us remarkable. Bellisio Foods commits to embrace diversity, empower through equity, and elevate marginalized voices through inclusion. We believe that our dedication to these values increases creativity, produces innovation, drives growth, and creates an engaged and thriving team. We are devoted to providing an inclusive environment, free from harassment and discrimination, where all team members feel welcomed, valued, and respected. + View detailsSummary:The Packaging Technology Manager is responsible for developing, optimizing, and commercializing frozen food products from concept through launch. This role applies technical expertise in food science, ingredient functionality, and freezing processes to ensure products meet quality, safety, cost, and sensory expectations. The position plays a critical role in scaling formulations to manufacturing while maintaining product integrity throughout frozen storage and distribution.Duties and Responsibilities:Develop and optimize formulations for frozen foods (e.g., entrees, vegetables, snacks, sauces)Conduct bench-top experiments, pilot plant trials, and plant-scale validationsEnsure products meet desired taste, texture, appearance, and nutritional targetsApply knowledge of freezing technologies (IQF, blast freezing) and their impact on product qualityOptimize formulations to control ice crystal formation, moisture migration, and texture degradationAddress challenges such as freezer burn, phase separation, and reheating performanceLead scale-up from lab to full production, ensuring consistency and manufacturabilityCollaborate with Operations to troubleshoot issues during production startupDevelop and maintain detailed product specifications and processing parametersEnsure compliance with FDA/USDA regulations and internal quality standardsSupport HACCP, GMP, and SQF programsConduct shelf-life studies and validate product stability under frozen conditionsIdentify cost-saving opportunities through ingredient optimization and process improvementsSupport productivity initiatives without compromising product qualityAnalyze data and recommend improvements to formulations and processesWork closely with Packaging, Quality, Procurement, and Marketing teamsSupport innovation projects and renovation of existing productsInterface with suppliers to evaluate ingredients and technologiesQualifications:Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related field7–12+ years of experience in food R&D, with strong emphasis on frozen foodsProven experience managing core/established product linesExperience scaling products from lab to commercial productionStrong understanding of frozen food systems, ingredient functionality, and processingExperience with ready meals, frozen entrees, vegetables, or similar categoriesExcellent project management and prioritization skillsStrong analytical and problem-solving capabilitiesAbility to balance quality, cost, and speed in decision-makingEffective leadership and team collaboration skillsBellisio Foods is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran, or disability status.Disclaimer: This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of an incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of an incumbent. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.