Paul Bennett

I have global packaging experience with an extensive knowledge of packaging and printing materials as well as operations and production. My scope ranges from design to first delivery. This encompasses all technical and business aspects. My extensive experience from the technical, sales and commercial sides make me an ideal candidate for a managerial/director role in these areas, or as part time/consultant role.

Director of Operations - Vodka Friday Inc. - Brantford, ON

(2022-04)

Implemented operation, production, procurement and logistics systems from the ground up.

• Using past experiences and a commonsense approach, implemented all aspects in creating systems and procedures for operations, procuring materials, all logistics and warehousing.
• Found and negotiated contracts for co-manufacturing for production as well as for 3PL warehousing and logistics.
• Negotiated contracts for all raw materials as well as for all creative packaging in accordance with ACGO and LCBO published standards.
• Cross-functional skill set enabled participation in sales and marketing teams in which created and maintained a high-level of service and respect.

Packaging Innovation Manager - Maple Leaf Foods - Mississauga, ON

(2013-06 - 2021-11)

Packaging leader on existing and new innovations within the retail, private label, food service and co-manufacturing businesses.

• Led a group of junior packaging engineers within the above noted business units and monitored progress and aided in future advancements.
• Was the lead on new product launches across multiple manufacturing sites maintaining P&L/Budgetary guidelines and keeping end state packaging in synch.
• Expanded supplier base and introduced new technologies and materials.
• Involved in capital expenditure projects involving new packaging equipment.
• Key contributor to the creation of an SAP packaging work stream and a packaging specification data base.
• Packaging expert on cross functional and sales teams for high level customers such as: Wal-Mart, Loblaws, Sobey's, Metro and Sysco.
• Leader in cost savings initiatives involving multiple packaging materials and technologies.

Technical Project Manager - Stephen Gould of Canada - Oakville, ON

(2009-06 - 2013-06)

Point of contact for a 20 million dollar account for a large consumer electronics manufacturer.

• Involved with current packaging design, packaging innovation, packaging cost reduction initiatives, ISTA testing, packaging specifications, troubleshooting.
• Managed project time lines until completion and held all parties accountable for their action items.
• Provided packaging quotations for all current and new materials in Canada, Europe and Asia.
• Lead technical engineer for all the above mentioned regions.
• Conducted daily meetings and calls with the client in Canada and manufacturing resources in: Canada, USA, Mexico, Europe and Asia.
• Directly involved both on the technical side and commercial side of this business.
• Maintained and created new relationships with personnel in: Industrial Design, Manufacturing, Engineering, Commodity Management, Purchasing, Quality, and Planning.
• Worked remotely from home office with complete autonomy on the daily actions of this business.

Technical Project Manager - Hartmann Asia - Johor Bahru, Malaysia

(2007-06 - 2009-04)

Managed the transfer of molded fibre production from Denmark to Malaysia for a current customer with delivery locations in Canada and Mexico. The account value was approximately 7 million dollars.

• Was the head engineer and sales contact for North America.
• Gained a new account with one of the world's largest hard drive manufacturers that is headquartered in the US and with manufacturing in China.
• Aided in the design and quoting, as well was on site for testing qualification and managed the projects right through to first delivery from Malaysia.
• Total value of new account was approximately 6 million dollars.
• Maintained relationships while creating new ones with the clients in all regions.

Technical Project Manager - Hartmann North America - Brantford, Ontario

(2004-05 - 2007-04)

• Designed moulded fibre packaging for industrial purposes using ProEngineer software.
• Presented and sold to new prospective customers in a technical sales role.
• Cost and estimated new projects.
• Sourced suppliers for prototypes as well as new moulds and packaging materials.
• Sourced companies that could assist in an engineering capacity.
• Created and worked within time-lines.
• Tested packaging within the legal industry standards and/or by the customers own set of standards.
• Gained experience in Business Relations in Europe, North America and Asia.

CAD/CAM Technical Associate - Specialized Packaging Group Inc. - London, ON

(2000-08 - 2004-05)

• Created and adjusted folding carton structures.
• Estimated cutting dies costs.
• Created efficient layouts in association with annual volumes, die cutting equipment, lithography presses and finishing capabilities.
• Member of project teams as a technical representative.
• Involved in ongoing cost improvement projects.
• Constructed printing bleeds for production of graphics.
• Inspected incoming print films.
• Created step and repeat readings using CIMEX software for printing plate production.
• Fully programmed flatbed cutting dies to be lasered by suppliers.
• Programmed mylars and spotsheets.
• Constructed pallet specifications for shipping.
• Determined corrugated type and strength for Purchasing Department.

Packaging Technology and Management