LIA GANT
Lauderdale
Summary
Dynamic packaging and program management leader with over 12 years of experience in driving innovative packaging development, commercialization, validation, and launch execution within global consumer packaged goods and manufacturing sectors. Expertise in leading cross-functional teams through the entire packaging lifecycle—from concept to production ramp—while collaborating with key stakeholders across Packaging Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory, and Marketing to deliver high-quality solutions that align with cost, sustainability, manufacturability, and customer experience objectives. Recognized for optimizing packaging solutions that enhance product presentation and reduce costs while adhering to industry standards. A reliable and goal-oriented professional adept at navigating fast-paced environments and adapting strategies to meet evolving project needs.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Strategic Planning Engineer
Amazon
Remote
01.2023 - Current
- Lead cross-functional engineering and operational initiatives supporting technical governance, process optimization, and strategic execution across engineering organizations.
- Build and manage integrated schedules, resource planning systems, project tracking tools, and reporting cadences using Smartsheet, Asana, and Quip to ensure predictable execution and leadership visibility.
- Coordinate risks, dependencies, mitigation planning, and executive communications across multiple concurrent initiatives.
- Standardize operating procedures, technical documentation, compliance verification, and quality review processes to improve operational readiness and execution discipline.
- Authored five technical papers to share with leadership about the status of our projects totaling well over 100 million dollars budgets
Sr. Packaging & Program Manager Consultant
Berry Wehmiller Design Group – PepsiCo
Remote
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Led packaging commercialization and program execution activities for beverage packaging initiatives involving PET bottles, closures, labels, shrink wrap, corrugate trays, and cans at over 20 warehOuse locations
- Managed packaging schedules, tooling logistics, supplier coordination, specification development, validation testing, and manufacturing readiness across multiple project variables and production sites.
- Directed line trials, pilot testing, distribution testing, AQL/RQL evaluations, and packaging qualification activities to ensure manufacturability and product reliability.
- Presented project status, technical risks, mitigation plans, and commercialization readiness updates to leadership and cross-functional teams.
Senior Packaging Consultant – Mondelez International
Adept Packaging
Remote
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Led packaging trials, commissioning support, and manufacturing validation activities for flexible packaging, cartons, shrink film, and bag/box systems.
- Managed co-manufacturer relationships, line trials, test result analysis, and corrective action implementation supporting commercialization success. Executing over a dozen packaging improvements
- Supported packaging specification management, finished goods specification improvements, and technical documentation within ION specification systems.
Sr. Packaging Engineer
Namaste Labs
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Managed 20+ packaging commercialization projects for haircare products from development through production launch.
- Coordinated packaging suppliers, contract manufacturers, operations, R&D, and brand teams to execute functional testing, shelf-life studies, transit testing, and production startup activities.
- Oversaw artwork approvals, packaging specifications, BOM creation, and packaging documentation management.
Sr. Packaging Engineer
Conagra Foods
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Led packaging development and commercialization activities across retail, club, and foodservice channels involving cartons, corrugate, film, rigid plastics, cans, and reseal systems.
- Managed packaging validation activities on form-fill-seal systems, vertical baggers, palletizers, labelers, and automated packaging equipment.
- Generated $500K in operational and material cost savings through packaging optimization and supply chain efficiencies.
Packaging Engineer Intern
PepsiCo and General Mills
New York, NY
2012 - 2013
- Developed and optimized packaging designs to enhance product protection and shelf life.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement sustainable packaging solutions.
- Conducted material testing and analysis to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Led initiatives to reduce packaging waste, improving sustainability efforts across projects.
- Cost Savings -Evaluated corner posts & pallet caps to optimize pallet compression for the 30 SUS carton, resulting in cost savings of $237K
- Transitioned from a corrugated E-flute to a 30-point SUS paperboard carton
- Operated a variety of machines to package products including shrink-wrap, box sealers, and label applicators.
- Conducted thorough testing of packages to validate their performance under various conditions, ensuring reliability and durability during shipping and handling.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations, maintaining up-to-date knowledge on packaging standards and guidelines.
Senior Packaging Consultant – Coca-Cola
Adept Packaging
Remote
2018 - 2021
- Executed packaging development and lightweight initiatives for hot-fill PET bottle redesign programs from concept through plant trials and commercialization.
- Led 15+ bottling line trials involving filling, capping, and case packing operations while coordinating suppliers, testing labs, and plant operations teams.
- Managed transit testing, post-stack evaluations, AQL/RQL inspections, and packaging validation reporting activities.
Senior Packaging Consultant – Kraft Heinz
Adept Packaging
Remote
2018 - 2021
- Managed global packaging commercialization projects from ideation through production launch for high-volume consumer products.
- Led a $4M international injection mold qualification initiative involving suppliers across Europe and the United States.
- Coordinated qualification plans, tooling validation, supplier readiness, manufacturing trials, and cross-functional execution activities.
- Generated over $500K in cost savings through supplier qualification and packaging optimization initiatives.
Packaging Engineer
Pinnacle Foods Group LLC.
Parsippany, NJ
2013 - 2014
- Developed and tested innovative packaging solutions to enhance product integrity.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline packaging processes and reduce waste.
- Conducted thorough evaluations of packaging materials for compliance with safety standards.
- Implemented process improvements that increased efficiency in packaging line operations.
- Managed packaging commercialization projects from concept through launch across multiple packaging formats and manufacturing systems.
- Led packaging trials, tamper-evident labeling development, specification management, and packaging validation activities.
- Verified technical drawings, graphical layouts, and printing requirements in collaboration with Regulatory, Marketing, and Quality teams.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Packaging Engineer
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI05.2013
Realtor - Real Estate
Magnolia School of Real Estate
Tallahassee, FL04.2026
Skills
- Management of packaging initiatives
- Program management expertise
- New product development
- Collaborative leadership
- Vendor relationship management
- Manufacturing Readiness
- Packaging Specifications
- Artwork & Labeling Coordination
- Tooling & Mold Management
- Sustainability Initiatives
- Risk management strategies
- Process Improvement
- Leadership communication
- Proficient in diverse packaging materials
- Experience with automated packaging systems
- Project management tools expertise
- Project management
- Team collaboration
- Project management trackingz
Timeline
Strategic Planning Engineer
Amazon
01.2023 - Current
Sr. Packaging & Program Manager Consultant
Berry Wehmiller Design Group – PepsiCo
01.2021 - 01.2023
Senior Packaging Consultant – Mondelez International
Adept Packaging
01.2018 - 01.2021
Sr. Packaging Engineer
Namaste Labs
01.2016 - 01.2017
Sr. Packaging Engineer
Conagra Foods
01.2014 - 01.2016
Packaging Engineer Intern
PepsiCo and General Mills
2012 - 2013
Senior Packaging Consultant – Coca-Cola
Adept Packaging
2018 - 2021
Senior Packaging Consultant – Kraft Heinz
Adept Packaging
2018 - 2021
Packaging Engineer
Pinnacle Foods Group LLC.
2013 - 2014
Bachelor of Science - Packaging Engineer
Michigan State University
Realtor - Real Estate
Magnolia School of Real Estate