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Packaging Development Manager Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Development Manager

Memphis, TN · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

The range listed is an estimate as it looks at the total compensation package as well as factors ... Development Manager JOB TITLE: Development Manager EXEMPT (Salaried) or NON EXEMPT(Hourly): Exempt ...

Development Manager

Memphis, TN · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

The range listed is an estimate as it looks at the total compensation package as well as factors ... Development Manager JOB TITLE: Development Manager EXEMPT (Salaried) or NON EXEMPT(Hourly): Exempt ...

Business Development Manager Location: Nashville, TN About Novatech Novatech is a nationally ... Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, volunteer ...

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Packaging Development Manager information

See Tennessee salary details

$30K

$70.3K

$120.7K

How much do packaging development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for packaging development manager in Tennessee is $70,284.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,100.00 and $82,100.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Packaging Development jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Packaging Development jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Packaging Development Manager jobs in Tennessee? For Packaging Development Manager jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Packaging Development Manager jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Packaging Development Manager jobs in Tennessee are:
Infographic showing various Packaging Development Manager job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,284 per year, or $33.8 per hour.
Principal Engineer - Packaging Development

Principal Engineer - Packaging Development

Mars, Incorporated

Franklin, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Mars Inc. rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

111th of 395 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Job Description:
Principal Engineer - Packaging Development
The Principal Engineer - Packaging Development is a strategic technical leader responsible for advancing future-ready packaging platforms and ensuring robust packaging material governance across the enterprise. This role leads the evaluation of emerging packaging materials and technologies, establishes technical readiness frameworks, leads digital packaging platforms and drives packaging innovation from concept through commercialization.
This role requires a unique blend of deep material science expertise, rigorous risk management, and commercial acumen. This role will translate emerging consumer demands and digital supply chain constraints into a robust, multi-year packaging roadmap that safeguards our products, delights our customers, and drives sustainable growth.
What are we looking for?
  • Minimum of a Bachelor's in Packaging R&D, Material Science, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, Food Science (or relevant field) paired with deep expertise in polymer properties, material science, and early-stage innovation pipeline processes.
  • Minimum of 8 years' experience in similar role (Pet industry preferred).
  • In-depth technical knowledge of emerging packaging technologies across all formats and technology platforms, rapid prototyping, and digital packaging capabilities.
  • Technical rigor in every activity
  • Strong track record of driving results, collaborating and influencing without authority a variety of stakeholders

What would your key responsibilities be?
  • Lead strategic packaging innovation framing aligned with enterprise growth platforms and emerging macro trends (e-commerce, digital supply chain, traceability).
  • Build enterprise-level packaging roadmaps and establish validation frameworks for novel packaging formats. Identify potential technical failure modes early in the innovation funnel and design mitigation protocols prior to scale-up.
  • Define, govern, and implement strategy for Packaging Quality Management global standard compliance around Packaging Risk Assessments (PRAs) across all packaging materials, impacting all category technologies, ensuring packaging materials meet food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements across all category technologies.
  • Lead digital Packaging strategy implementation aligned with Specification Systems and digital efficiency tools. Drive integration of packaging data, specifications, risk assessments, and technical requirements into enterprise digital platforms. Advance digital capabilities that improve packaging development efficiency, traceability, compliance management, and decision-making.
  • Primary packaging interface with Science & Technology (S&T) teams, translating breakthrough material science into scalable commercial applications, align regional requirements for Technical Readiness Levels (TRLs) for packaging innovation
  • Scout external technology developments, suppliers, and academic partnerships to build early-stage technical pipelines.

What can you expect from Mars?
  • Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
  • Join a purpose driven company, where we're striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
  • A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
  • An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

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