A growing food manufacturer is seeking a Packaging Engineering Manager to lead packaging development, process optimization, and commercialization efforts across a broad portfolio of products. This role will oversee packaging initiatives from early concept through full-scale production, with responsibility for technical execution, team leadership, supplier collaboration, and continuous improvement.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can balance strategic oversight with day-to-day problem solving in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Lead the packaging function and guide the development, design, and improvement of packaging systems, ensuring alignment with quality, regulatory, labeling, and food safety requirements.

Manage packaging projects from concept through launch, partnering with internal teams and external suppliers to support smooth execution.

Work cross-functionally with teams such as operations, marketing, product development, quality, and outside partners to develop packaging solutions that support product and brand objectives.

Oversee packaging-related work tied to new product launches, product updates, packaging specifications, and packaging equipment/process improvements.

Drive packaging decisions with consideration for cost, shelf life, sustainability, compliance, product protection, functionality, and consumer experience.

Identify and evaluate new packaging materials, technologies, and supplier capabilities to improve performance, reduce cost, and support innovation.

Support packaging strategy for products produced through outside manufacturing / co-packing partners, including quality and cost optimization.

Maintain required product and packaging documentation, including quality-related records and project updates.

Lead scale-up and commercialization activities to ensure packaging performs effectively from pilot stage through full production.

Track project milestones and communicate status updates to key internal stakeholders.

Troubleshoot packaging- and product-related issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective or preventive actions.

Stay informed on packaging trends, equipment developments, transportation/logistics requirements, and evolving sustainability standards.

Assist with additional technical or cross-functional initiatives as needed.

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Food Science, or a related technical field

10+ years of experience in packaging development, packaging applications, or related engineering work within food manufacturing

Proven experience managing the full packaging lifecycle, from concept development through production launch

Strong knowledge of:

- packaging materials

- packaging technologies

- testing and validation methods

- packaging equipment / machinery

Solid understanding of packaging qualification standards, production requirements, supply chain considerations, and transportation/logistics impacts

Working knowledge of food safety, quality systems, and regulatory requirements related to food packaging

Prior leadership experience, including the ability to guide projects and lead a team toward business and operational goals

Experience working closely with packaging suppliers and outside partners during development and implementation

Exposure to product development / new product commercialization is strongly preferred

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Strong organizational, interpersonal, and time management skills