Packaging Engineering Manager

Our client is seeking a Manager, Packaging Engineering to lead and develop a team of Packaging Engineers while driving the design, development, testing, and commercialization of packaging solutions across a diverse confection and fruit snack portfolio. This role provides strategic and technical leadership across packaging innovation, sustainability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, partnering closely with R&D, Operations, Engineering, Procurement, Marketing, and external suppliers.

The ideal candidate is a strong technical and people leader with experience in packaging engineering, packaging development, or a related field within food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or a similar fast-paced environment. This individual should be comfortable balancing team leadership and strategic planning with hands-on technical problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Packaging Engineers, fostering a culture of engagement, accountability, and continuous learning.

• Set team priorities, manage workloads, and provide strategic direction for packaging development and commercialization activities.

• Oversee the design, testing, qualification, and implementation of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging solutions.

• Partner cross-functionally with R&D, Operations, Engineering, Procurement, Marketing, and external suppliers to support new product launches and packaging innovation.

• Drive packaging innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and consumer experience.

• Identify and evaluate new packaging technologies, materials, and supplier capabilities to support business objectives.

• Provide technical expertise and recommendations to leadership and key stakeholders on packaging-related opportunities and challenges.

• Support packaging development and commercialization activities from concept through implementation.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve packaging-related technical and manufacturing challenges.

• Ensure packaging solutions meet consumer, business, quality, and manufacturing requirements.

• Utilize SAP and PLM systems to support packaging development and commercialization activities.

• Manage team performance, development, and resource allocation to ensure successful execution of packaging initiatives.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.

• 5+ years of experience in packaging engineering, packaging development, or a related field.

• Proven experience leading, coaching, and developing technical teams.

• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, manufacturing processes, testing methods, and commercialization activities.

• Experience working in a food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or similar fast-paced environment preferred.

• Experience with SAP and PLM systems.

• Strong project management and organizational skills.

• Excellent communication and cross-functional leadership skills.

• Strong technical problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to provide technical guidance and effectively communicate recommendations to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Strong understanding of packaging innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement principles.

Work Environment:

• Primarily onsite in Chicago, IL, due to the highly interactive and team-based nature of the role.

• In-person attendance is expected for most of the workweek, generally 3 or more days per week, to support effective communication, team supervision, real-time problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration.

Compensation: $102,075-$142,905 annually
Bonus: Eligible to earn an annual bonus based on company performance
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and financial wellness benefits and paid time off (PTO)

If this position interests you and you meet the requirements, apply today!

Thank you,
Kelly Wagner
Director
LaSalle Network

#LI-KO1
LNESC