Packaging Engineering Manager

Manager, Packaging Engineering

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.

What's the job?

• 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

What's needed?

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

Key Details

• Compensation: $102,075$142,905 annually
• Location: Chicago, IL
• Work Model: Onsite (primarily); 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
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and financial wellness benefits and paid time off (PTO)
• Employment Type: Direct Hire
• Bonus: Eligible to earn an annual bonus based on company performance