Senior R&D Manager - Packaging; Memphis, TN

Life. Unlimited. At Smith+Naphew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.

Join us in a highly influential role where you will shape packaging innovation across our Orthopaedic medical device portfolio. This is an opportunity to lead a talented team, work cross functionally on critical programs and elevate the packaging strategy for products that make a meaningful impact for patients around the world.

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of packaging solutions across product lines, ensuring all designs meet product and user needs requirements including labelling and sterilization.
• Oversee all packaging engineering activities related to new product development and guide product teams on cost effective, high quality compliant packaging options.
• Provide ongoing engineering support for packaging on existing products and develop packaging systems and components for new and current devices.
• Work directly with R&D, Operations, Quality, Marketing, and Regulatory management on packaging development initiations.
• Partner with Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance to define requirements for package inserts, testing, labelling and technical documentation.
• Review and approve packaging and labelling specifications while ensuring alignment with quality system expectations.
• Review and approve packaging protocols, reports and related technical documents.
• Mentor, coach and develop junior engineers and technicians to build technical strength within the team.
• Support Operations in optimizing packaging related equipment and processes in our manufacturing facilities.
• Lead and support packaging sustainability initiatives.
• Provide recommendations at technical reviews and collaborate across R&D, Operations, Quality, and Product Management to deliver effective packaging solutions.

• A BS in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science or a related design or science field with seven years of related experience, or an MS in Engineering or Science with five years of related experience.
• At least three years of experience managing direct and indirect reports in a technical environment.
• Strong competency in packaging design, analytical problem solving.
• Strong knowledge of ISTA, ASTM, and ISO packaging test methods and requirements.
• Competency of BS EN ISO 11607-1 and 2.
• Understanding of packaging manufacturing techniques and the ability to work autonomously while influencing senior stakeholders.

• Inclusion and Belonging – committed to welcoming, celebrating and thriving on inclusion and belonging. Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website ().
• Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Purchase Plan, Tuition Reimbursement.
• Work/Life Balance:
  Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day.
• Your Wellbeing:
  Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program.
• Flexibility:
  Hybrid Work Model (for most professional roles).
• Training:
  Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship.
• Extra Perks:
  Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!

Smith+Naphew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.