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Director Packaging Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Conagra Brands

Principal Packaging Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$109K - $159K/yr

Reporting to the Senior Director, Packaging, you will lead the identification, development, and commercialization of new, improved, and costreduced packaging solutions that meet business objectives ...

Kraft Heinz Company

Packaging R&D Co-op

Glenview, IL · On-site

$24K/mo

Our program's goal is to build a pipeline for our direct-hire pool after graduation. Dates: Spring ... Development of packaging designs for customer-specific initiatives * Develop and execute testing ...

Kraft Heinz

Packaging R&D Co-op

Glenview, IL · On-site

$24K/mo

Our program's goal is to build a pipeline for our direct-hire pool after graduation. Dates: Spring ... Development of packaging designs for customer-specific initiatives * Develop and execute testing ...

Invenergy

Director, Renewable Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

Position Overview As a Director, Renewable Development, you will lead the development of utility ... In addition to base pay, the total annual compensation package may also include eligibility to ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPackaging Development JobsDirector Packaging Development JobsDirector Packaging Development Jobs in Illinois

Director Packaging Development information

See Illinois salary details

$15.5K

$92.7K

$172.5K

How much do director packaging development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for director packaging development in Illinois is $92,744.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,700.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of packaging development?

To thrive as a Director of Packaging Development, you need expertise in packaging engineering, materials science, and project management, typically supported by a relevant degree and extensive industry experience. Familiarity with packaging design software, CAD systems, regulatory standards, and sustainability certifications is crucial. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and cross-functional communication skills help drive innovation and collaboration across teams. These competencies ensure effective development of packaging solutions that meet quality, cost, and environmental objectives.

What are the common challenges faced by a director of packaging development when leading cross-functional projects?

A Director of Packaging Development often encounters challenges in aligning diverse teams, such as marketing, engineering, and supply chain, to ensure timely and cost-effective packaging solutions. Balancing innovative packaging design with manufacturability, sustainability goals, and regulatory requirements is another frequent hurdle. Success in this role requires strong project management, clear communication, and the ability to navigate competing priorities while fostering collaboration among stakeholders.

What does a director of packaging development do?

A Director of Packaging Development leads the strategy, design, and execution of packaging solutions for a company’s products. They oversee packaging innovation, ensure compliance with quality and sustainability standards, and manage teams of engineers and designers. This role collaborates closely with marketing, manufacturing, and supply chain departments to create packaging that is functional, cost-effective, and appealing to customers. Additionally, they evaluate new materials and technologies to improve packaging performance and reduce environmental impact.

What is the difference between Director Packaging Development vs Packaging Engineer?

AspectDirector Packaging DevelopmentPackaging Engineer
ResponsibilitiesOversees packaging strategy, manages teams, and directs development projectsDesigns and tests packaging solutions, supports production, and ensures quality
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Packaging, Engineering, or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's in Packaging, Engineering, or related field; some experience
Work EnvironmentLeadership in corporate offices, collaboration with R&D and manufacturingDesign labs, production facilities, and testing environments
Industry UsageCommonly used in large corporations and global brandsUsed across manufacturing plants and smaller companies

The main difference is that the Director Packaging Development leads and strategizes packaging initiatives at a high level, while the Packaging Engineer focuses on designing and testing packaging solutions. The director role involves leadership, planning, and oversight, whereas the engineer role is more technical and hands-on.

What are the most commonly searched types of Packaging Development jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Packaging Development jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Packaging Development jobs in Illinois? For Director Packaging Development jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Packaging Development jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Director Packaging Development jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Director Packaging Development jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Director Packaging Development job openings:
Director Packaging Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Packaging Development job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,744 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Principal Packaging Engineer

Conagra Brands

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$109K - $159K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Conagra Brands rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 133 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

214th of 436 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Reporting to the Senior Director, Packaging, you will lead the identification, development, and commercialization of new, improved, and costreduced packaging solutions that meet business objectives, advance stewardship priorities, and comply with regulatory requirements. You will serve as the primary technical project leader for multiple business platforms and packaging stewardship initiatives while providing crossfunctional leadership on both large strategic initiatives and major base business projects. You will also act as a technical mentor and key resource for packaging engineering platforms.

A Taste of Your Responsibilities

  • Champion ideas for technology improvements, compliance requirements, sustainability enhancements, cost savings, and innovation aligned with strategic business priorities.

  • Serve as a recognized subject matter expert and technical leader in packaging engineering.

  • Drive execution of complex, crossfunctional projects to deliver against platform and enterpriselevel objectives.

  • Maintain a strong awareness of technical trends, regulatory changes, compliance requirements, and advancements within the packaging industry.

  • Define and align technical objectives for assigned businesses and projects.

  • Lead multiple complex projects simultaneously while managing priorities effectively.

  • Collaborate closely with internal business partners and crossfunctional teams at a senior level.

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners, suppliers, and technical resources.

  • Represent the company with professionalism and contribute positively to its reputation within the technical and packaging community.

  • Apply strong expertise in experimental design, performance specifications, and commissioning, qualification, and validation design.

  • Mentor and develop packaging engineers across platforms.

Ingredients Required for Your Success

  • Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Engineering, or a related field with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in the packaging industry, preferably within consumer packaged goods, or a Master's or Doctorate degree in Packaging or a related field with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience.

  • Experience with government regulatory requirements related to Extended Producer Responsibility and food processing.

  • Excellent understanding of packaging materials, equipment capabilities, and advanced testing methodologies.

  • Strong knowledge of food science and the impact of packaging on food quality.

  • Thorough understanding of endoflife design requirements for recyclable packaging.

  • Strong knowledge of food safety principles, sanitary design, and equipment cleaning.

  • Indepth knowledge of physical and structural package testing procedures.

  • Understanding of the current packaging regulatory landscape, including Extended Producer Responsibility laws.

  • Proven skill analyzing all aspects of new packaging systems.

  • Advanced written and verbal communication skills.

  • Strong collaboration skills with the capacity to maintain effective crossfunctional partnerships.

  • Effective negotiation skills for conflict resolution.

  • Experience supporting intellectual property development and exclusivity patents.

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.

Physical Requirements

More information about essential tasks and the facility will be shared during the hiring process. This role may require you to be in our manufacturing facilities. When visiting these sites, the physical requirements below may apply:
You may be required to walk around the facility, climb stairs/ladders, kneel, or performrepetitive tasks that require hand-eye coordination.
You may be required to lift or carry materials that can vary in weight and size.
This is a manufacturing environment with large, moving equipment. Noise levels can be high, and temperatures may vary.

Number of Days in Office: 4

#LI-Hybrid
#LI-MH1
#LI-MSL

Compensation

Pay Range:$109,000-$159,000

The annual salary listed above is the expected offering for this position. An employee's actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant experience/level and skillset, while balancing internal Conagra employees' equity.Conagra Brands will comply with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees.

Our Benefits

We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:

  • Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement

  • Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan

  • Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement

  • Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities

Our Company

At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions - within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye, Slim Jim and Reddi-Wip.

Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.

Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.

What Conagra Brands employees say

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About Conagra Brands

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Conagra Brands (NYSE: CAG) is an approximately $11 billion company that combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus and entrepreneurial spirit. We're transforming the way we operate to fulfill what consumers and customers want, in a smart, simple way. We're modernizing our iconic food brands, leveraging fresh opportunities and adapting to a changing landscape - all with a culture that's ready to capture growth and drive shareholder value.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1919

Social media

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