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Packaging Operations Specialist

Row 7 Seed Company
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ABOUT ROW 7 SEEDS

Founded by chef Dan Barber of Blue Hill and Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Row 7 is an organic food company built to reimagine food from seed to table.  Working in collaboration with chefs, farmers, and plant breeders, our mission is to introduce new plant varieties that bring consumers unique culinary, nutritional, and ecological value. Row 7 has collaborated with stakeholders across the food chain to make delicious ingredients—and the stories behind them—more accessible to all. Row 7 sells organic seeds to home gardeners and growers through our online marketplace.  In 2022, Row 7 launched a line of branded organic vegetables for sale in grocery stores, and will introduce a line of ready-to-eat vegetables in early 2026.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Packaging Operations Specialist manages packaging across Row 7's seed, produce, and CPG product lines. You'll support farm-partners in scaling sustainable packaging solutions and work with co-packers to bring innovative formats to market. This role combines R&D, vendor management, inventory planning, and cost optimization to ensure packaging solutions scale with company growth while reinforcing our quality and sustainability commitments.

REPORTS TO Produce Commercialization Director

LOCATION 

  • Hybrid Role
  • Tarrytown, NY / 1 - 2 days per week as business needs require 
  • Occasional travel to supplier facilities and production sites

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Packaging Research & Development

  • Research and evaluate new packaging materials and solutions aligned with Row 7's quality and sustainability commitments
  • Develop and maintain packaging structures and dielines across all product lines
  • Identify leading sustainability solutions to support bringing our portfolio to market
  • Partner with product development on packaging design for new launches
  • Collaborate with co-packers and farms to ensure packaging solutions work on their production lines, including equipment evaluation and selection
  • Work with Quality Assurance on packaging testing and validation to meet FSA, USDA, FSMA, and retail-specific requirements

Vendor Management & Sourcing

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with packaging suppliers and manufacturers
  • Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts to achieve cost targets while maintaining quality standards
  • Identify and onboard new suppliers to support innovation, sustainability, and cost goals
  • Conduct regular vendor performance reviews and manage ongoing communication

Inventory Management & Procurement

  • Forecast packaging needs based on production schedules and sales projections
  • Place and monitor purchase orders to ensure timely delivery
  • Maintain accurate, real-time inventory tracking and provide team visibility into levels and risks
  • Coordinate storage and logistics for packaging materials
  • Work with finance on packaging spend, budgeting, and forecasting
  • Implement inventory tracking systems in collaboration with external partners and supply chain team

Cost Optimization

  • Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities across packaging portfolio
  • Monitor and minimize packaging waste and losses throughout operations
  • Partner with production teams to reduce damage during packaging operations
  • Develop and monitor KPIs for packaging efficiency and cost-effectiveness

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • 3-5 years of experience in packaging engineering, operations, or supply chain
  • Demonstrated success in vendor negotiation and relationship management
  • Strong analytical skills with experience in inventory management and forecasting
  • Proficiency in MS Office/G-Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis
  • Experience with ERP or inventory management systems
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills

Preferred

  • Experience in food and beverage or CPG industry
  • Experience with vertical formed filled packaging and manufacturing lines
  • Knowledge of packaging materials, printing processes, and production requirements
  • Familiarity with food safety regulations and packaging compliance
  • Experience managing packaging across multiple product categories
  • Background in cost analysis and budget management
  • Understanding of sustainable packaging solutions and trends

Key Competencies

  • Detail-oriented with ability to manage competing priorities across multiple product lines
  • Strong negotiator who balances cost, quality, and relationships
  • Proactive problem-solver who anticipates needs and prevents issues
  • Strategic thinker who balances immediate needs with long-term planning
  • Collaborative and communicates clearly across departments

DETAILS

  • The Packaging Operations Specialist position is a full-time role
  • The target pay range for this role is from $85,000 - $100,000 per year
  • Benefits include:
    • Generous Paid Time Off, Parental Leave, Volunteer Time Off, and Floating Holiday Programs
    • Up to 75% funded Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
    • Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
    • 401(k) eligible after three months of employment
    • Flexible Educational Reimbursement Program
    • Employee Discount on Row 7 Seed Products

To apply, please follow this link.

 

Row 7 is committed to centering equity and justice in our work and community. We encourage LGBTQIA+, BIPOC candidates and members of other historically marginalized groups to apply.