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Packaging Development Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Henkel

Manager Packaging Innovation

Mentor, OH · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

The Packaging Innovation Responsible leads the development and implementation of packaging ... Manage packaging development projects from ideation through commercialization, ensuring alignment ...

Majesty Brands

Packaging Developer

Manhattan, NY

$90K - $110K/yr

Position Summary The Packaging Developer is responsible for managing the development, execution, and production of packaging across multiple product categories, including socks, sleepwear, slippers ...

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Packaging Development Manager information

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$33K

$77.4K

$133K

How much do packaging development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for packaging development manager in the United States is $77,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $90,500.00 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.

More about Packaging Development Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Packaging Development Manager jobs? Cities with the most Packaging Development Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Packaging Development jobs? The most popular types of Packaging Development jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Packaging Development Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Packaging Development Manager jobs are:
Packaging Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Packaging Development Manager job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,438 per year, or $37.2 per hour.
Associate Product Development, Packaging

Associate Product Development, Packaging

Athena Club

New York, NY

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Athena Club is building the next-generation personal care company, and we're just getting started. Over the past 12 months, we've doubled our business, accelerated our retail momentum, and expanded our reach as more customers turn to Athena for beautifully designed, high-performance essentials.

We're redefining everyday personal care through innovation, transparency, and design-led thinking, transforming daily routines into rituals. With strengths in world-class product development, compelling storytelling, and a brand built to stand out on shelf and in culture, we're entering an exciting new phase of category expansion and national growth.

We're looking for experienced, entrepreneurial leaders who thrive in fast-moving environments, take full ownership, and know how to scale teams, systems, and outcomes. This role is a rare opportunity to help shape Athena Club's next chapter, driving strategy, execution, and long-term impact as we build an iconic modern personal care brand.

The Role

Athena Club is looking for an Associate, Product Development, Packaging, to join our Product Development team. Reporting to Senior Manager of Product Development, this Team Member will support the end-to-end packaging development process, including color matching, specification management, and technical problem-solving across our packaging and filling operations.

This is a hands-on role ideal for someone early in their product development career who is eager to take ownership of programs and grow within a fast-paced consumer goods environment.

Responsibilities
  • Support the Senior Manager in day-to-day packaging development across primary, secondary, and tertiary components (bottles, tubes, jars, pumps, caps, cartons, shippers, etc.)
  • Build and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) for new and existing SKUs, ensuring accuracy of component codes, component specifications, descriptions, quantities, and supplier sourcing; manage BOM revisions and version control through product changes
  • Create and manage SKU codes and item setup documentation for new product launches; maintain organized records of active, discontinued, and pipeline SKUs
  • Support color matching activities across packaging substrates – track Pantone references, supplier color submissions, redirects, and approval sign-offs
  • Take ownership of packaging development programs (e.g., shave, existing product lines) from concept through production – managing packaging testing, timelines, tracking milestones, and coordinating cross-functional deliverables through each development gate
  • Maintain organized communication with packaging suppliers and contract manufacturers; track open action items and ensure timely follow-up on quotes, lead times, MOQs, and tooling timelines
  • Troubleshoot packaging compatibility issues related to filling operations, formula interactions and transit, ensuring components are designed and specified to run efficiently on filling lines
  • Support cross quoting and evaluating multiple vendors to ensure competitive pricing, quality, and reliability across the packaging supply base
  • Maintain organized documentation of packaging specifications, test results, and development records
Requirements
  • 1–2 years of experience in packaging development, product development, or a closely related role within the consumer goods, beauty, personal care, or CPG industries
  • Working knowledge of packaging materials (plastics, glass, metal, paper) and how material choices impact cost, sustainability, performance and lead time
  • Familiarity with packaging manufacturing and print production processes (e.g., blow molding, injection molding, flexographic and digital printing, etc.)
  • Demonstrated experience building and maintaining BOMs, master data, specifications and UPCs
  • Extremely detail-oriented. You catch what others miss and maintain meticulous documentation
  • Self-starter with a proactive and solution orientated mindset
  • Comfortable managing multiple programs simultaneously and escalating quickly when needed
  • Effective communicator who can collaborate across Product Development, Supply Chain, and Operations
Nice to Have
  • Experience with 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, or similar) and the ability to create and modify packaging drawings
  • Experience with color matching and color management across different substrates and printing methods
  • Experience supporting launches at Target or other major retail partners, including limited-edition SKU and bundle/set packaging execution
  • Exposure to filling operations, packaging line compatibility, or manufacturing troubleshooting a plus
  • Experience with consumer research and applying insights to packaging and product development decisions
  • Familiarity with stage-gate development processes and cross-functional development cycles
The (+) Extras

  • Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

  • Life + Disability

  • HSA or FSA

  • Commuter benefits

  • 401K

  • Weekly team lunches

  • Optional Bi-Weekly Team Workouts

  • Annual Offsite "Camp Athena Club"

Salary Range
$75,000—$95,000 USD

Equal Opportunity & Inclusion
Athena Club is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building an inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our team and our products, and we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.