1

Packaging Development Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Packaging Enginner

Minneapolis, MN · Remote

$41 - $45/hr

... to manage multiple projects. Proficient with Microsoft Office, Office 365, SharePoint, and TOPS. Ability to travel up to 10%. Preferred Skills: 7+ years of packaging development experience.

Associate Packaging Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Lead and support packaging development projects with guidance from manager or senior team members. * Contribute to base business and high complexity projects, ensuring technical excellence and timely ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Packaging Development Manager information

See Minnesota salary details

$32.3K

$75.8K

$130.3K

How much do packaging development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for packaging development manager in Minnesota is $75,844.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,300.00 and $88,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Packaging Development Manager do?

A Packaging Development Manager oversees the design, development, and implementation of packaging solutions for products. They collaborate with product development, marketing, and manufacturing teams to create packaging that is functional, cost-effective, sustainable, and aligns with brand standards. Their responsibilities also include managing timelines, ensuring compliance with regulations, and staying updated on packaging trends and materials. By optimizing packaging processes, they help reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance the customer experience.

What are some common challenges faced by Packaging Development Managers during the product launch process?

Packaging Development Managers often encounter challenges related to balancing innovation, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability while meeting tight launch timelines. Coordinating cross-functional teams—including marketing, procurement, and manufacturing—requires strong communication and project management skills. Additionally, ensuring packaging designs comply with regulatory standards and can be efficiently scaled for mass production is a frequent hurdle. The role also demands agility to troubleshoot unexpected supply chain or material availability issues that can arise close to launch dates.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Packaging Development Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Packaging Development Manager, you need expertise in packaging materials, design, and engineering principles, often supported by a degree in packaging science, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, packaging testing protocols, and knowledge of industry regulations such as FDA or ISO standards are typically required. Strong project management, communication, and problem-solving skills help drive innovation and collaboration across teams. These skills ensure packaging solutions are cost-effective, sustainable, and compliant, which is vital for product protection and brand success.

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

AspectPackaging Development ManagerPackaging Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Packaging, Engineering, or related field; often requires experience in project managementBachelor's degree in Packaging, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; certifications like CPP or PMP are common
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, collaborates with suppliers and R&D departmentsDesigns, tests, and develops packaging solutions; works closely with manufacturing and quality teams
Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing, consumer goods, and logistics companies for overseeing packaging projectsCommonly employed in product development, quality assurance, and technical roles within packaging departments

The Packaging Development Manager focuses on leading packaging projects and managing teams, while the Packaging Engineer concentrates on designing and testing packaging solutions. Both roles require relevant technical credentials and work closely within the packaging industry, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are popular job titles related to Packaging Development Manager jobs in Minnesota? For Packaging Development Manager jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Packaging Development Manager jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Packaging Development Manager jobs in Minnesota are:
Infographic showing various Packaging Development Manager job openings in Minnesota as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,844 per year, or $36.5 per hour.
Senior Packaging Engineer (UFOS)

Senior Packaging Engineer (UFOS)

Equity Packaging

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Senior Packaging Engineer (UFOS)
Location: Minneapolis, MN also Remote Eligible (U.S.)
Schedule: Full-Time (40 hours/week)
Travel: Up to 10%
Team: Pet R&D Packaging Team
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Packaging Engineer to join our R&D Packaging team . In this role, you will work as part of a highly collaborative cross-functional team focused on supporting pet food packaging innovation, cost optimization, manufacturing support, and product quality initiatives.
You'll partner closely with teams across Research & Development, Sourcing, Quality, Engineering, Marketing, and Operations to deliver packaging solutions that support new product launches, drive continuous improvement, and ensure reliable manufacturing performance.
This is an excellent opportunity for a packaging professional who enjoys balancing technical problem-solving, project leadership, supplier collaboration, and innovation within a fast-paced consumer packaged goods environment.
What You'll Do
Packaging Development & Innovation
  • Lead packaging development activities that support innovation, cost savings, and core business initiatives.
  • Identify and advance technical packaging opportunities that improve performance, efficiency, and margins.
  • Apply packaging and material expertise to solve technical challenges and support continuous improvement efforts.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Build strong partnerships with internal stakeholders across R&D, Operations, Engineering, Quality, Marketing, and Sourcing.
  • Collaborate with suppliers and external partners to evaluate new packaging technologies and solutions.
  • Support packaging trials, product launches, and manufacturing initiatives.

Testing & Validation
  • Plan, conduct, and manage packaging experiments, supplier trials, and technical evaluations.
  • Analyze data and provide recommendations based on results.
  • Ensure packaging solutions meet quality, performance, and manufacturing requirements.

Documentation & Communication
  • Create and maintain technical packaging specifications and drawings.
  • Document project plans, test results, financial analyses, and recommendations.
  • Provide clear project updates and technical communication to stakeholders and leadership.

Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or a related field.
  • Minimum 5 years of packaging engineering experience.
  • Strong understanding of the product commercialization process, from packaging design through manufacturing implementation.
  • Experience applying engineering and process improvement solutions within consumer packaged goods (CPG) environments.
  • Experience creating technical packaging drawings and specifications.
  • Experience working with manufacturing facilities, engineering firms, vendors, and contractors.
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
  • Self-motivated with excellent project and time management abilities.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Proficiency with:
    • Microsoft Office Suite
    • Microsoft 365
    • SharePoint
    • TOPS
  • Ability to travel up to 10%.

Preferred
  • 7+ years of packaging development experience.
  • Experience in food manufacturing, pet food manufacturing, or a related industry.
  • Experience working with Interspec or similar Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
  • Knowledge of pet food manufacturing processes and packaging requirements.

What Success Looks Like
  • Successfully supporting packaging innovation and product launch initiatives.
  • Driving packaging improvements that enhance efficiency, quality, and cost performance.
  • Building strong partnerships with internal teams and external suppliers.
  • Delivering projects on time while maintaining high technical and quality standards.
  • Contributing technical expertise that helps advance the business and strengthen packaging capabilities.