1. Eric W. Hermes
PROFILE SUMMARY
Focused, hard-working engineer with 9+ years of industry experience in food packaging across a wide range of materials
and product lines. Highly proficient in project management, new product development and specification systems. Has
specific experience in rigid plastics (blow mold and injection mold platforms), VFFS, HFFS, labeling systems, and cost
management programs.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Kraft Foods, Glenview, IL
Assoc. Principle Engineer, Meal SolutionsPackaging R&D 2014-present
Division Innovation lead for all front-end growth projects, collaborating with small team of cross-functional partners
on idea generation, prototyping and early consumer testing. Double-hatted as Technology Lead, responsible for
scoping and developing technology platforms, future-state manufacturing principles and 5-year Packaging R&D
Strategy for the division.
 While developing NPD pipeline for Enhancers category, successfully pushed for balance between short term new
product development and long term platform vision
 Recognized for work in technology scouting and developing new vendor relationships either through conference/trade
show networking or base research
 Developed mentoring relationship with multiple junior engineers and was a key leader in running a distance mentoring
program for college students at Michigan State University as part of their recruiting team
Sr. Engineer, GroceryPackaging R&D 2010-2014
Lead quality improvement, productivity and new product development initiatives for the Salad Dressing category,
focusing on rigid materials. As head engineer, developed project timelines and deliverables, provided technical input
to business team and worked closely with equipment vendors and material suppliers.
 As division productivity lead, helped identify and oversaw roughly $20MM in packaging related cost savings initiatives;
executed Value Stream Mapping and LIC/DIP exercises for multiple product categories
 Continually utilized as on-site specification and systems expert and was the Packaging representative on the Global
Governance Team for graphics management
 Managing experience of 6-month college intern
Engineer, FoodservicePackaging R&D 2006-2010
Category resource for all Foodservice Coffee and Beverage packaging projects across US and Canada. Managed
upwards of 25 projects at a time, executing at both internal manufacturing locations and external co-manufacturers.
Handled a wide range of responsibilities including interaction with flexible, rigid, paperboard, and corrugate
materials.
 Significant interaction with vending and dispensing equipment, including liquid coffee dispensing systems, Ready-To-
Drink beverage units and concentrate equipment
 Key functional lead in multiple repatriation projects and was involved with manufacturing audits, consolidation
strategies and creation of quality control procedures
 Managed contractor for specification work and worked closely with packaging research and global procurement to
investigate global material sourcing strategy
EDUCATION
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 2002-2006
Bachelorof Science in Packaging
GPA 3.5 / 4.0 overall; 3.6 / 4.0 packaging specific
330 N. Clinton #507
Chicago, IL 60661
Phone: (248) 225-4032
eric.w.hermes@gmail.com