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Co Packer Jobs in Topeka, KS (NOW HIRING)

Co Packer information

See Topeka, KS salary details

$9

$15

$19

How much do co packer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for co packer in Topeka, KS is $15.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $16.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a co packer?

A Co Packer, or contract packer, is a company or individual that packages products for other businesses. They handle tasks such as filling, labeling, assembling, and packaging goods according to the client’s specifications. Co Packers are commonly used in the food, beverage, cosmetics, and consumer goods industries by companies that want to outsource their packaging processes. This allows businesses to focus on core activities like product development and marketing, while the Co Packer ensures products are safely and efficiently packed for distribution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a co packer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Co Packer, you need attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to follow packaging specifications, usually with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with packaging machinery, basic inventory systems, and safety protocols is often required. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills for maintaining productivity and quality standards. These abilities are crucial for meeting client expectations, ensuring product safety, and supporting efficient production workflows.

What are some common challenges faced by co packers and how can they be managed effectively?

Co Packers often encounter challenges related to maintaining quality control while meeting tight production deadlines. Managing diverse client specifications and adapting to fluctuations in order volume can also be demanding. Effective communication with both the production team and clients, along with robust organizational systems, helps ensure consistency and customer satisfaction. Additionally, staying up-to-date with food safety regulations and investing in staff training are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Co Packer vs Contract Manufacturer?

AspectCo PackerContract Manufacturer
Credentials/CertificationsMay require food safety certifications, GMP complianceOften requires similar certifications, including ISO, GMP
Work EnvironmentPackaging facilities, often smaller scaleManufacturing plants, larger scale production
Employer & Industry UsageFood, beverage, supplement industriesFood, beverage, personal care, chemical industries
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Co Packers primarily focus on packaging products for clients, often handling smaller batches and specialized packaging needs. Contract Manufacturers handle the entire manufacturing process, producing products from raw materials to finished goods. While both roles require similar certifications and work in related environments, Co Packers specialize in packaging, whereas Contract Manufacturers oversee full-scale production.

How do I find a co packer?

To find a co-packer, research companies that specialize in contract manufacturing for your product type, and evaluate their capabilities, certifications, and production capacity. Networking within industry trade shows, online directories, and industry associations can also help identify suitable partners. Ensure the co-packer complies with quality standards and has experience with your product category.

What cities near Topeka, KS are hiring for Co Packer jobs?

Cities near Topeka, KS with the most Co Packer job openings:

Infographic showing various Co Packer job openings in Topeka, KS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,533 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Merchandiser - LAWRENCE/LEAVENWORTH/SHAWNEE

Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company

Lawrence, KS

$19.75/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Join the team at Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company! 

Days/Hours of Work:  Working weekends with two days off during the week.  7 am start

Job Summary

Merchandisers stock Coca-Cola beverage products in retail accounts.  Merchandisers ensure that all beverage sections, end caps, racks and displays are filled for consumers to purchase our products.  Merchandisers monitor product date codes and rotate our products to ensure the best quality and freshness.

Job Responsibilities
  • Maintain and replenish products in store shelves, racks, displays, and coolers by transporting product between backroom/storage room to the sales floor with a manual or powered equipment while ensuring product deliveries are fully worked.
  • Build, change, or remove product displays while adhering to company standards; maintaining product signage; cleaning product space and securing damaged or defective product.
  • Manage backroom by organizing our products, identifying, monitoring, and reporting inventory levels in partnership with the account manager of the store.  Utilizing FIFO training to ensure timely sales of product.
  • Evaluate and process damaged product; re-packing product; organizing backroom materials (i.e., pallets, product shells etc.) and weekly rotation of front-stock and back-stock; completing any required paperwork.
  • Communicate and collaborate as needed upon completion of each account and at the end of the shift.  Communicate through Teams app recap pictures for accounts immediately after servicing account. Communication may include posting recaps and pictures, connecting with sales on out of stock, customer concerns, and checking in/out with store manager/personnel.
  • Maintain professional relationships with co-workers and customers.
Job Requirements
  • High School Diploma or GED preferred and minimum of one year of work experience required.
  • Minimum of one year of work experience in grocery, retail, warehouse, manual labor or related field is required.
  • Must be 18 years of age and legally eligible to work.
  • Must have a personal vehicle for use during working hours.
  • Valid Driver's License, current vehicle liability insurance, driving record within policy guidelines including no major violations within the last three years.
  • Prior experience using equipment such as pallet jacks and high loader lifts preferred.   Ability to obtain powered industrial truck certification upon hire is required.
  • Basic computer application and technology skills; knowledge of how to operate a smart phone and/or laptop. 
  • Flexibility with work hours; able to work evenings, weekends, and some holidays due to customer demand.
Physical Requirements
  • Speaking: Constantly (investigates, negotiates, recommends, reports, etc.)
  • Acute Vision: Constantly (observing both near and far, reading documents)
  • Typing: Frequently using electronic devices for day-to-day business (email, reports, texting)
  • Mobility: Frequent travel throughout customer locations (Walking in backrooms, aisles, greeting customers)
  • Bending/Squatting: Frequently (looking in racks at all levels, ordering product, counting cases, checking dates) 
  • Lifting: Frequent- Lift 40 lbs. or less (full cases of product)
  • Pushing/pulling: Frequent use of manual carts
  • Driving: Frequent travel between customer locations 

Pay: $19.75 an hour

About Heartland Coca-Cola

Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company produces, sells, and distributes the highest quality and best tasting Coca-Cola and Monster Beverages across the states of Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois.  Our brand offerings provide multiple beverage options in non-alcoholic categories including sparkling soft drinks, water, ingredient enhanced, isotonics, tea, energy, juice, coffee and nutrition.  We value our people, customers and community which drives our passion to work and win together as a team.

Benefits and Other Information

We offer a competitive benefits package to full-time employees including medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401(k), paid time off, wellness programs and tuition reimbursement.  Part-time employees are eligible for paid time off, 401(k), and tuition reimbursement.

Pre-employment background check is required.

Heartland Coca-Cola is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and any other class protected by law.  Veteran friendly.

Requisition ID: 263318
Company: Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, LLC